We operate job-skills training programs that are a mainstay in the region’s youth employment landscape and help address the needs of disconnected young adults (age 16-27) across Central Oregon. Our six core programs include: (1) YouthBuild; (2) AmeriCorps; (3) Central Oregon Youth Conservation Corps; (4) Stewardship; (5) Clean Energy Service Corps, and (6) Heart of Oregon Corps Thrift Store in Madras. Participants earn wages or stipends, acquire essential job skills and employment experience, attain educational goals, engage with their community, and reach financial independence. Corpsmembers complete projects that benefit local communities and stimulate local economies. In the past five years, we have paid more than $4.5 million in stipends and wages. Program participants have completed over 300,000 hours of service to the community while completing high school or its equivalency and earning nearly $607,636 in post-secondary AmeriCorps Education Scholarships. Over the past 12 years, HOC has served more than 2,000 young people, with an estimated 81% exiting the program into full-time education or stable employment

The mission of Heart of Oregon Corps is to empower and inspire positive change in the lives of young people through jobs, education and stewardship. The vision of Heart of Oregon Corps is to improve economic and social vitality while increasing pathways out of poverty.