Program Description

Program/Practice Description: Northwest Youth Corps programs combine education and job skill training with outdoor adventure for youth ages 14 to 19. Under staff supervision, youth crew members work on conservation, reforestation, and recreation projects. Northwest Youth Corps promotes teamwork and the development of interpersonal skills while introducing young adults to the power of service and the responsibility of holding a job. Northwest Youth Corps provides a caring and supportive environment where every participant is challenged to learn how to work with others, make decisions, overcome obstacles, and achieve success. Youth focus on individual success in the context of community building and team success. Youth learn first hand about the natural environment and are introduced to a variety of outdoor and environmental career options. In addition, Northwest Youth Corps operates an alternative high school, the Outdoor High School, and 10 different conservation corps programs from its campus.

Background/Program History: Northwest Youth Corps was created in 1983 to offer teenagers an education–based work experience modeled after the historic Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. In the first year, the program served 52 teens. Since 1984, more than 7,700 youth have participated in the programs.

Innovations and Results: Youth participating in Northwest Youth Corps are given the opportunity to work and earn money by taking on challenging tasks and learning first hand details about every project, while gaining skills and experience valued by employers. Northwest Youth Corps is a team–based outdoor experience that challenges every participant to discover new abilities. The experience is about personal growth by meeting a challenge, finishing what is started, and working through obstacles. Northwest Youth Corps is registered as an Alternative Education Program with the Oregon Department of Education, and youth can earn credit for their experience. The program follows a carefully developed curriculum with segments on ecology, resource management, work experience, job and life skills, and leadership. In addition, youth can earn credit for college. Participants are given pre– and post–tests to assess their progress. Northwest Youth Corps prepares detailed reports to schools, recording hours worked and projects conducted. The program emphasizes using hand tools to do the work and not destroying the environment. Safety is a primary concern and priority for the program, staff, and youth and a significant part of orientation focuses on learning how to operate the hand tools safely. At the start of each job, staff and youth complete a rigorous written safety analysis that identifies the safest way to complete each step of the project. Each day, a safety debrief occurs during which participants evaluate and ensure that everyone is working in the safest manner possible.

Throughout the 5 weeks of the program, participants keep a weekly journal which is shared at graduation.

Northwest Youth Corps recognizes participants successful completion of the program with a graduation ceremony and a catered dinner. Youth are encouraged to share their successes as well as the challenges they faced during their time in the program. The program also offers various incentives to encourage youth to meet their objectives. Incentives include completion, dependability, and safety bonuses. The program encourages participants who have successfully completed the program to include Northwest Youth Corps on their resume. The program staff also provide job references.

Operations: Program participants work for 35–40 hours per week, earning a $245 per week stipend. During the 5–week residential program, participants go to project sites, camping as close to the work site as possible. Crews meet every weekend for recreational activities. Northwest Youth Corps also offers financial counseling classes.

Funding: The program receives support from Federal, State, county, and city land management agencies, as well as private land owners. In addition, numerous grants are received each year that assist with program operations and youth support to help mitigate costs.