Heart of Oregon Corps

Program Description: 

Heart of Oregon Corps is a youth empowerment program providing workforce, education, and service opportunities to Central Oregon communities. The program follows a work, earn, learn model targeting Opportunity Youth (young adults who are neither enrolled in school nor employed).  

In this model, learners work on projects designed to benefit their local communities such as building affordable housing, wildfire fuels reduction, childcare and tutoring, food bank distribution, and recycling initiatives. Before engaging in hands-on projects, participants are trained and continue to receive structured supervision throughout their term as a corps member. Through this experience, individuals earn wages or stipends and have access to scholarships, allowing them the financial stability to explore pathways after serving as a corps member. Lastly, learners develop durable and vocational skills and are provided with the option to earn high school and college credits. 

Impact: 

Heart of Oregon Corps was founded in 2000 with the ultimate mission of creating opportunities for youth to thrive in both education and workforce while living in Central Oregon. In 2025, the Corps reported hiring and training 220 youth who earned over $1 million in wages and stipends, were awarded over $1,200 in scholarships and left the program with over 200 career certifications. Through their work, 1,000 acres of public land and 35 miles of trails and waterways have been maintained.  

Population Served: 

Heart of Oregon Corps mainly serves low-income youth aged 16-24 who are unenrolled in school nor actively employed. The Corps believes these learners are ready to thrive when given support, mentorship, and a steady income.  

The Corps serves communities across Central Oregon in the Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, and northern Klamath counties, including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. 

Learn more here.

Page last updated in August 2026