International Carpe Diem Foundation

The International Carpe Diem Foundation (ICDF) is a non-profit community development organization supporting low income, at-risk, and first-generation Portland students as they complete high school and begin earning college credits. ICDF provides students with on-going academic and personal support, cohort-based experiential and international learning opportunities and, using a network of strategic partners in the Portland area, an awareness of and access to local resources for completing college, gaining work skills, and becoming leaders in their communities. This is achieved through three programs: Carpe College, World CLASS, and Adult Carpe Program.

--Mission--

ICDF transforms economically disadvantaged Portland youth into globally engaged change-makers.

--Vision--

ICDF strives to create dramatic and sustainable improvements in Portland area communities while increasing global awareness, understanding, and empathy.

--Values--

• TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION: We believe that the most transformational and lasting educational experiences are the ones that require hands-on engagement, personal investment, ownership and responsibility, leadership and stretching outside of our comfort zones.
• PASSION: We believe that passion is a best indicator of success and happiness. We believe experiential education, service learning and international travel programs are the best way to help students discover and explore what they are passionate about.
• LEARNING COMMUNITIES: We believe that learning is maximized when students have the ability to relate, reflect and open up to others engaging in the same process. We believe learning communities allow students to explore the roles and patterns they each take on within and across different communities.