What is Youth Development?
We work with local school districts, youth-serving organizations and agencies to create partnerships that integrate and connect youth to available community supports to help them in achieving their goals.
Douglas ESD is committed to developing partnerships and resources that provide youth the supports they need to develop an individualized plan for success in life. Our goal is to engage youth up to 21 years old with learning and life and to provide a holistic system of supports.
Connect youth with caring support.
Youth are our future!
Our services include:
Youth Development Mentors
Youth succeed in life if they have at least one meaningful relationship with a caring adult. Our mentors guide youth to plan meaningful futures and access the tools and supports they need to get there. Refer a youth to get individualized support from a mentor. Submit a referral and the youth will be contacted by one of our caring mentors.
Youth Transitions Program (YTP)
Prepares youth with disabilities for employment and/or career-related postsecondary education or training. This program is currently available through Douglas ESD at Sutherlin, Riddle and South Umpqua High Schools.
Transition Network
Douglas ESD partners with the Oregon Department of Education to improve post-educational outcomes for youth with disabilities by providing employment opportunities that benefit individuals, communities and the economy. Transition Network staff works to train and support educators and students throughout Douglas, Coos, and Curry counties.
School-to-Career/Career-Connected Learning
Community leaders, educators and families are realizing now more than ever that there is no one-size-fits-all option for students graduating from high school. We’re learning that what matters is that youth find a field that interests them enough to pursue their passions and find their purpose.
Within our schools, youth benefit from project-based, authentic learning experiences that create the designers and doers of our future through minds-on, hands-on learning. While in high school, they may experience career-connected learning through Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes such as automotive, agriculture, education, woodworking, welding, construction, cooking and more.
Douglas County ESD Youth Groups: Connecting our Youth
Sign up HERE:
Youth Advisory Crew: A place to express your voice and create positive changes within your community.
Sign up HERE:
