Youth Opportunities
Oregon Education Department Glossary of Terms
This website provides a search page for the Oregon Education Department. Search for the Glossary for a number of terms that would be helpful to parents and service providers of students with disabilities.
Polk H.A.L.O. Program - Help Acheiving Lifelong Objectives
The HALO Program offers a place for young adults to connect with friendly Career Advisors for one-on-one guidance to achieve their career goals. Participants are given opportunities to work towards individual success including paid on-site work experiences, GED assistance, resources on local employers and career industries, and obtain career-specific skills.
Salem Chamber of Commerce Leadership Youth Programs
Visit this website to see the current leadership programs the Chamber sponsors or with whom they partner.
Also has classes specifically for teens for college preparation and pre-employment skills.
Education, Career and Community Program at Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
This program has several services to assist schools and other providers with preparing youth for adulthood.
Provides assistance to runaways, homeless and youth in detention. Also has a scholarship program. Check out their website above for more information.
Provides residential employment preparation and placement services for at risk youth. See this link for more information.
Oregon GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs)
New program linking middle and high schools around the region to colleges and universities. Provides special training, mentoring, tutoring and scholarships. See the link above for more details and links.
Social Security's Worksite for Youth
Visit this website to learn more about the programs Social Security has for youth with disabilities who want to work.
Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day
Every fourth Thursday of April. Visit this website for ideas and activities.
Read a discussion board for young women who became pregnant and how they managed it. Great resource from Babycenter.com!
Youth Career Camp
Chemeketa Community College provides an opportunity every summer (June 20-23) for youth from middle school to college age to learn about different career tracks they may take and how to get there. They pay $25 for four days of hands-on career activities. Call Holly Nelson at (503) 589-7795 to register no later than June 12th.
State Vocational Rehabilitation program for youth with disabilities that helps them transition into adulthood through interagency collaboration with school districts and other service providers. See the website link above for more information and who to contact.
Updated October, 2009 by Cassy Polen, Disability Program Navigator.