$1.5M federal grant fuels Heart of Oregon Corps’ mission to transform young lives in Central Oregon

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Heart of Oregon Corps’ YouthBuild program a $1.5 million grant, one of just 71 grants awarded nationwide as part of a $99.3 million federal investment to prepare young people for high-demand careers.

Heart of Oregon Corps is the only organization in Oregon to receive this competitive grant in 2024, marking its eighth successful YouthBuild grant since 2009.

This federal funding will support the YouthBuild program over three years (2025–2028), enabling at least 66 young people, ages 16 to 24, from Central Oregon communities to reconnect with education, gain valuable job skills, and grow into community leaders.

These youth often face significant barriers, including generational poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, and lack of parental support. YouthBuild provides a pathway to overcome these challenges through a comprehensive model of education, hands-on training, and leadership development.

“Young people in Central Oregon will be the big winners from this $1.5 million federal investment in the Heart of Oregon Corps and its stellar staff working hard to teach and train these Oregonians for careers that benefit them and their communities,” said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. “I look forward to this non-profit continuing to produce success stories for young Oregonians wanting to work, and I’ll keep battling for similar opportunities statewide.”

YouthBuild participants split their time between classroom instruction—where they earn a high school diploma or GED—and hands-on workplace training in fields like construction and child development. Over the next three years, participants will help build or remodel three affordable homes in Central Oregon communities, working alongside partners like Thistle and Nest and Opportunity Foundation.

The program also equips participants with nationally recognized career certifications, including NCCER, Oregon BOLI-Pre-Apprenticeship, and Child and Youth Care certifications. YouthBuild’s holistic approach includes a leadership component that fosters resilience and connection to the community through service projects and mentorship. Graduates benefit from an additional 12 months of wrap-around services to support their transition into employment, post-secondary education, or apprenticeships.

“Programs like YouthBuild are transforming lives and communities by creating pathways to success for young people who are ready to learn, work, and give back,” said U.S Senator Jeff Merkley. “It is great to see this $1.5 million investment in Heart of Oregon Corps, which will prepare young Oregonians for good-paying jobs in construction and other high-demand industries while addressing housing needs in our communities. This program exemplifies the power of opportunity and hard work, and I look forward to seeing its impact across Central Oregon.” 

Heart of Oregon Corps collaborates with numerous partners to ensure youth success, including construction industry leaders like Mike’s Fence Center, R&H Construction, Knife River, Rosendin Electric, and Skanska, as well as educational institutions like Central Oregon Community College. These partnerships provide youth with opportunities to explore college, gain internships, and transition into apprenticeships or employment in high-demand fields.

"These young people exhibit incredible determination and resilience,” said Ryan Eckman of Mike’s Fence Center. “When they succeed, our entire community thrives. Mike’s is proud to support Heart of Oregon Corps and thrilled to celebrate this significant federal funding win that will sustain opportunities for local youth.”

Heart of Oregon Corps is now accepting applications for its next YouthBuild cohort, starting in January 2025. Discover how you can join this transformative program by visiting our website for details on pre-enrollment information sessions. Learn more about this opportunity and other ways to get involved at www.heartoforegon.org.