CONNECTING

CULTURE &

COMMUNITY

About PICO

The Pacific Island Community of Oregon was founded in 1998 by Ace Salu to support and uplift Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island (NH/PI) youth and families through culturally grounded programs centered on community, education, and opportunity.

PICO’s work grew out of the PICO Instructional Football Camp, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded by Ace, Ina Talalemotu, and Tafito Salu. What began as an instructional football camp became a trusted entry point for mentorship, leadership development, and life skills for Pacific Islander youth. The success and impact of the camp inspired the creation of PICO to expand this vision beyond athletics.

Today, PICO serves communities throughout the Portland and Vancouver areas with a comprehensive range of programs.

Youth football camps remain a cornerstone of our work, while our after-school programs provide academic support, mentoring, and cultural enrichment. PICO has also expanded to include employment and workforce development services, as well as housing support programs, designed to promote stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term success for individuals and families.

Using sports as a gateway and Pacific Islander values as our foundation, PICO creates safe, inclusive spaces where youth build confidence, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their cultural identity. Our commitment remains focused on strengthening families, empowering community voices, and creating pathways to opportunity for future generations.

Our Pillars for Progress

PICO Youth Sports is more than just athletic training; it's a leadership development initiative.

Youth Sports

This program will help students improve their grades by providing tutoring and academic support.

After School Academics

We will pair students with adult mentors from the NHPI community who can offer guidance, encouragement, and support throughout their educational journey.

Mentorship

This program will prepare students for college by guiding them through the admission process, offering college prep courses, and providing resources on scholarships and financial aid.

College Readiness

We will introduce students to various professions by hosting guest speakers from different trades and organizing tours of colleges and universities to broaden their horizons.

Career Exploration Program

We will introduce students to various professions by hosting guest speakers from different trades and organizing tours of colleges and universities to broaden their horizons.

Parental and Family Engagement

This culturally sensitive and empowering group for NHPI students is a student-led group facilitated by culturally specific mental health counselor focusing on mental health and recovery.

Mental Health Counseling and Substance Use Circles

PICO will collaborate with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders to amplify its impact in schools and communities while creating lasting, meaningful, sustainable change.

Community Partnerships

Our Focus

ACADEMICS

Strong academic foundations empower youth with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to succeed in life and contribute positively to their communities.

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ATHLETICS

Athletics help youth build discipline, teamwork, confidence, and healthy habits that support their physical, mental, and social development.

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HOUSING

We provide housing support to individuals and families in need, helping them find stability and security.

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EMPLOYMENT

We support individuals in need by connecting them with job opportunities, career training, and resources that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

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