Tony Hopson Sr., a lifelong resident and community leader from North Portland, founded Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI) in 1981. The program started as a one-week summer enhancement camp to offer a positive alternative for African-American teens in a neighborhood that was neglecting them.

By 1989, SEI expanded into a year-round program that offers academic support and comprehensive wraparound services for African-American students and their families. In 1997, SEI established the Center for Self-Enhancement, which still serves as a safe haven for thousands of children and is the core of SEI’s work. SEI has continued to be a cornerstone in the North Portland community, and it is continuously growing its programs to provide a full range of services for youth and families.

Today, SEI is a comprehensive, one-stop resource for youth and families, primarily serving African Americans and others living in poverty or seeking culturally responsive services. It is also one of the city’s leading multi-service organizations, providing thousands of youth, families, and adults with a wide array of education and social services on an annual basis. SEI’s strength lies in its ability to meet the complex needs of its children and families, including helping people overcome cultural, educational, and economic barriers.

SEI is committed to help youth and families realize their full potential. SEI believes that every child has a gift and that our shared responsibility is to help them find it. By expanding learning opportunities and teaching every child that “Life Has Options,” SEI is seeing excellent results, proving that SEI is the solution.