Following an in-depth evaluation of internal operations, financial management practices, risk management practices, governance standards and youth programming operations, Heart of Oregon Corps received accreditation from the Corps Center of Excellence, the national accrediting body for Service and Conservation Corps.

As defined by The Corps Network, the national association of Service and Conservation Corps, Corps are comprehensive youth development programs that provide young people (generally ages 16 – 25) the opportunity to serve in crews on important community and environmental projects. Corpsmembers develop job and leadership skills and earn wages, a stipend, and/or an education award for their service. Accreditation is granted to Corps that demonstrate a high level of accountability to the communities in which they operate and the Corpsmembers they enroll.

“This accreditation is a like a ‘seal of approval’ that helps families, partners, and funders trust that Heart of Oregon Corps will provide quality, safe programming to youth,” comments Laura Handy, the corps’ Executive Director. “For 23 years Heart of Oregon has been implementing best practices from corps from across the country right here in Central Oregon, and we’re proud to have earned this designation.”

As an accredited Corps, Heart of Oregon Corps has proven its ability to provide safe, appropriate, meaningful experiences to the young people they engage in service projects. They have also proven their ability to provide high-quality project outcomes to their partners – including the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State Parks, Deschutes County Solid Waste, Bend Parks and Recreation, Sisters Habitat for Humanity, and more – with whom they collaborate to develop service opportunities for Corpsmembers.

“Demonstrating that you meet industry standards is an important marketing tool for Corps that lets potential partners and stakeholders understand that your program produces high-quality outcomes,”
said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President & CEO of The Corps Network. “It shows that Corps programs are an excellent investment that benefits both the young people they serve and their communities.”

The Corps Center of Excellence is administered by an advisory committee made up of retired and former Conservation Corps leaders, retired and former federal land management agency staff, and other experts. During the accreditation process, an accreditation team comprised of persons with expertise in Youth and Conservation Corps operations review a Corps’ service project and Corpsmember outcomes, internal documents and financials. This team also conducts a multiple-day site visit at each Corps undergoing the accreditation process. Results of these reviews are presented to the Advisory Committee for discussion and approval. Accreditation lasts for five years with each Corps required to provide an annual update.

For more information about Corps accreditation, please visit The Corps Network’s website.