today's youth, tomorrow's future

The Oregon Lightning Youth Initiative’s Lightning Access program helps remove the financial barriers that can keep Central Oregon kids from fully showing up in school and in sports. Whether it’s covering cap and gown expenses so students can walk at graduation with pride, or helping with sports registration and equipment fees so athletes can suit up and compete, Lightning Access steps in when families need a boost. It’s a practical, dignity-first program built to keep youth included, confident, and connected—because every student deserves the chance to celebrate milestones and chase goals without money being the reason they’re left out.