Youth Corps

Oregon Youth Corps - Natural Resources

For nearly three decades, our Oregon Youth Corps (OYC) program has provided hundreds of local youth ages 16-24 with service-learning and on-the-job training opportunities related to forestry and natural resources management. Personal and professional growth is cultivated by strengthening our students’ sense of connection with their peers, community, and the natural world. Collaborative learning projects are coordinated with program partners such as the US Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which exposes students to a diverse range of rewarding career pathways focused on the conservation of public lands. Students earn academic credits and income for their participation in OYC. Project activities include trail and campground maintenance, invasive species removal, tree and shrub planting and propagation, post-fire recovery and fuels reduction, and ecological monitoring. Outdoor-based curriculum focused on "Conserving Biodiversity in a Managed Forest" explores foundational scientific topics that guide and enrich crew work projects. Educational themes include forest ecology, field botany, mycology, wildland fire ecology, biodiversity conservation, and watershed stewardship.

Phoenix School also partners with Umpqua Community College's two-year Associate of Science (AS) degree programs in Natural Resources and Forestry. UCC's degree programs are linked to seamless transfer options for on-campus and online four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees at Oregon State University. Many Phoenix graduates and OYC alumni engaged with our career pathway and community leadership tracks have chosen to build upon their earned diploma/GED and work experience by pursuing higher education, certifications, and advanced skills that are increasingly in-demand by public, private, non-profit, and tribal employers in Douglas County and beyond. 

For more information about Oregon Youth Corps - Natural Resources, please contact Eric Stauder, our OYC - Natural Resources Program Manager, at estauder@roseburgphoenix.com.

 

Oregon Youth Corps - Food and Farm Corps

Our Food & Farm Corps Program provides students with hands-on learning experiences in agriculture, sustainability, and food systems. Through participation in our program, students gain practical skills in plant cultivation, livestock management, and garden maintenance, all while exploring the interconnectedness of ecosystems. The program emphasizes sustainable practices, encouraging students to develop an understanding of environmental stewardship and regenerative agriculture. Students work in various settings, including the school garden, greenhouse, and with small-scale livestock, allowing them to experience different aspects of food production.

The Food & Farm Corps Program fosters both personal and professional growth by cultivating a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. Students are challenged to take on roles within the program, managing projects and guiding their peers in hands-on tasks. In collaboration with local farmers, agricultural organizations, and community partners, students gain exposure to diverse agricultural techniques, regional farming practices, and real-world problem-solving. These partnerships also provide opportunities for field trips, workshops, and guest lectures, enriching the learning experience by connecting students to the wider agricultural community.

Each year, the program adapts to meet the evolving needs of the students and the community, offering a variety of projects focused on improving the farm, enhancing food production, and promoting sustainability. Students also contribute to the school’s food system, learning how to handle, process, and prepare food safely and responsibly. These experiences not only teach practical agricultural skills but also instill values of self-sufficiency, creativity, and resilience.

Through collaborations with community organizations, students engage in outreach projects that promote healthy eating, sustainable farming practices, and food justice within the local community. The program's flexible, evolving curriculum supports student learning in areas such as soil health, nutrient cycling, pest management, and water conservation, with a strong focus on sustainability.

Leadership and career-readiness skills are a cornerstone of the program. Students take on responsibilities within the farm and lead community-focused projects. They gain hands-on experience in project management, problem-solving, and teamwork, all while making meaningful contributions to both the school and local community. Through these opportunities, students build confidence and develop practical skills that can be applied to future educational and career endeavors in agriculture and beyond.

For more information about Oregon Youth Corps - Food and Farm Corps, please contact Suzie Porter, our OYC - Food and Farm Corps Program Manager, at sporter@roseburgphoenix.com.