Heart of Oregon Corps

The WHAT and WHY of our programs are almost identical, but age requirements, length and location vary. In each one, youth will work with a team of their peers and gain the job training and readiness they need, earn money and scholarships for their hard work while building their independence, and learn through gaining high school credits, preparing for the GED or taking their first college class.

Program Quick Facts

-The AmeriCorps Program provides young adults, ages 17-24 with an opportunity to become a positive part of the community. Youth with court involvement, that are low-income, or face any obstacle or number of obstacles are encouraged to apply. Members serve on a HOC AmeriCorps Crew for 6 months, working towards their GEDs or diploma, preparing for college, and gaining work experience. As AmeriCorps volunteers, members earn a living stipend and a Segal Education Award for college. HOC continues to support graduates as they begin careers, post-secondary education, or both.

-YouthBuild is a youth and community development program that addresses core issues facing low-income communities: housing, education, employment, crime prevention, and leadership development. In YouthBuild, young people ages 16-24 transform their own lives and roles in society through earning their GED, high school diploma or college credits, learning job skills, and serving their community through building affordable housing. The program is a 15-month daily commitment and has an alternating schedule: 2 weeks in the classroom (working on GED/high school completion, leadership skills, vocational training, etc.) and 2 weeks in the field gaining construction experience and acquiring apprenticeship skills. Youth earn a stipend during the program which can increase with positive work ethic, attendance, and clean drug screenings.

-Stewardship is open to members ages 16-20 who are currently attending, or become a student at Brown Education Center. Stewardship crew members have the opportunity to earn wages and high school "skills-based" and academic credits during their time of service. Crews will work on a variety of environmental projects throughout the year, such as recycling, litter patrol, fire free week, and fuels reduction projects and gain valuable job skills as a result.

-Central Oregon Youth Conservation Corps Summer Program (COYCC) is a work-learn-earn opportunity for youth ages 16-18. HOC hires and employs youth in the program to work on public lands in a natural resources based, hands-on education and employment program. Participants earn minimum wage and can earn a high school “skills based learning credit” for completion of the program. COYCC starts late June and ends mid-August.

-Heart of Oregon Corps operates a Thrift Store in Madras. The store is run by volunteer students of Madras High School so that they learn retail and customer service skills. This program is especially catered to youth with disabilities. Donations always accepted.