~Currently Accepting Applications ~
Our next cohort starts on April 6th
Applications are due by March 23, 2026!
This is not a residential program (no housing offered)
YouthBuild members transform their 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 in Central Oregon. Members in our program divide their time between classroom education, worksite training, and leadership development.
- YouthBuild requires a minimum 12-month daily commitment, Monday-Thursday, 8am – 3pm, and Friday 8am-130pm. Youth will be recruited from Madras, Warm Springs, Prineville, Sisters, and Redmond, with our main campus located between Sisters and Redmond. Public transportation is available to the Cloverdale location.
- YouthBuild has an alternating schedule; students are in the classroom - working on GED/high school completion, leadership skills, and vocational training. In the construction field, youth will be building, repairing, renovating homes, and learning apprenticeship skills.
- Youth earn a small stipend during the program for work in the classroom and on the construction site. This stipend reflects positive work ethic and attendance.
- Unfortunately, due to changes in federal funding priorities, we are no longer able to offer the Segal Education Award for successful completion of the program.
Age | 16-24 |
Location | Based out of Sisters/Redmond – supporting students throughout Bend, Sisters, Redmond Madras, Warm Springs, Culver, & Prineville |
Program Length | The core program is 9-12 months and then 12 months of follow-up services |
Compensation | $500/biweekly |
Schedule | Monday - Thursday: 8am to 3pm. Friday: 8am to 1:30pm Alternating weeks between education and vocational training |
Education Provided | High School Diploma, Credit Recovery, GED, College Prep, & Career Track Certifications |
Application Process
1. Submit online application (Click Here)
2. You will be notified by a staff member that we have received your application (if you don't hear from us right away, please don't worry!)
3. Attend a required Pre-Enrollment Info Session (please read ALL info below!)
4. Be invited to an Interview with Staff (15-20 minutes to discuss goals throughout the program)
5. Mental Toughness Orientation: 100% attendance is required during this two-week orientation
*If you are applying for the YouthBuild program and are age 16-19, a referral from your home high school is required. YouthBuild is partially funded (60%) by a $1.5M grant awarded under the Youthbuild Grant Initiative, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment & Training Administration. †Heart of Oregon is an equal opportunity employer.
Pre-Enrollment Information Sessions
We ask that any interested youth attend with a parent or guardian as these information sessions are important in order to understand the demands of our program and ask any questions you may have. This is also the best time to turn in completed paperwork - the list of required documents can be found below.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
*Applicants from Redmond and Jefferson County School Districts must have a referral from their school before attending a pre-enrollment information session. Additionally, we currently have no open spots for youth who are enrolled or would fall within the Redmond School District, but if you are interested in joining our waitlist, please fill out the application and you will automatically be added.
Required Documents
1. Transcripts from the last school attended
2. Proof of income for the family; either the last 30 days of pay stubs, or latest tax return
OR
Proof of public assistance documents (e.g. SNAP,TANF, Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8, etc.)
3. Copy of state certified birth certificate
4. Copy of state issued Photo ID (state ID, driver’s license or permit, passport)
5. Copy of Social Security Card
6. Completed Enrollment Packet - all signatures in black or blue ink (will be provided or discussed when contacted by staff)
It is also a good idea to bring your (not your parent's!) banking information (routing and account numbers, as well as a voided check or a screenshot if using an online app) to get set up for direct deposit. If you do not have a bank account, now is a good time to set one up!
Also, if you do not have the documents above, you should start the process of getting them ordered ASAP. Staff can assist with resources for this, let them know during your pre-enrollment meetings.
