Job Corps is a program that provides education and training for youth all over the country. The program offers help earning a high school diploma, GED, and also landing and keeping that job you have always wanted.

The AmeriCorps program can put you to work doing community service, for which you will receive a modest living allowance. Successful graduates of the program will also receive an educational scholarship that you can put to work for you at qualifying institutions of higher education.

The Ecology Youth Corps is the largest youth employment program in Washington State. It may be the place for you to earn a bit of extra money while at the same time serve your community, and gain job skills and teamwork experience.

The Youth Workforce Program is designed to assist youth from Southwestern Washington as they begin employment or complete secondary or post-secondary education. Take advantage of the classes, academic support, and real work experience offered by this program.

Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. promotes success for career women through education, leadership, and mentorship. Check out the Building Girls Summer Camps, TO GO, and other programs to get you started constructing your own career path.

Project Hope is a Portland program which provides youth the opportunity to learn customer service, computer and entrepreneurial skills, as well as business management. This community program also pairs individual youths with mentors to lead them down a road of success.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport offers a youth work program and may have an opening for you. Become an Aquarium interpreter and spend time in training to learn about marine science, marine animals, and conservation. In addition to gaining experience, complimentary passes to the Aquarium, and discounts at the gift shop, you may be able to earn high school or college credit.

ZooTeens is a volunteer program at the Oregon Zoo  for youth in the 9th through 12th grades. In fact, the Trillium Creek Family Farm is a zoo exhibit managed solely by teenagers. The program offers the chance to interact with visitors, help keepers take care of animals, and receive promotions. Maybe you will find your own path by caring for the herd.

Become part of your Community CREAM (Computer Reuse Education And Marketing) program. By dedicating your time and helping to refurbish electronics, the experience you gain is only the beginning. Volunteers in this program may receive computers, education, training, and free Internet use.

Year Up is here to gear you up for your first employment opportunity.  The national program has a location right at Puget Sound, Washington.  The program provides young adults with access to education, experiences, and guidance to realize true individual potential.  The program will hopefully teach you to respect your own value as you also add value to the companies you end up working for.  Visit their website for more information and to learn about the admissions process and apply to the program.

What about volunteering to work at your local library? Students may volunteer at the Lake Oswego Library in Portland during the summer and also the school year. Make a difference in your community, pick up some valuable work skills, and maybe even make a connection or two to get you on your literary way.

The Multnomah County Libraries Teen Programming is also not to be overlooked as a way to make new friends, learn useful skills, and help out in your community.

The Fort Vancouver Library has a Young Adult Advisory Board, in which you can become involved planning programs, providing services, and fundraising.