Heart of Oregon Corps (HOC) was founded in 2000 to inspire and empower positive change in the lives of young adults through jobs, education, and stewardship. HOC provides "work- learn- earn" opportunities to low-income, disconnected young adults, ages 16-24 years old, living in Central Oregon. The job skills training and education services we provide combat the crushing youth unemployment crisis in Oregon and our nation. Employment is critical to the personal development of youth and the social fabric of a healthy society. It is a well-known fact that individuals who are employed during high school experience higher wages and more job stability throughout life. Heart of Oregon Corps (HOC) provides pathways out of poverty for opportunity youth and young adults in Central Oregon through programs that integrate employment and education. HOC is the umbrella organization for 6 distinct programs that spread across 4 counties: Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, and Klamath. Each is unique yet unified in its approach to provide Central Oregon youth with opportunities to work and continue their education. Programs include Central Oregon Youth Conservation Corps (COYCC), YouthBuild, AmeriCorps, Stewardship, Camp LEAD, and The Heart of Oregon Corps Thrift Store. Every program participant earns a wage or stipend, acquires job skills training, gains access to continuing education services, and has the opportunity to earn a scholarship for college.