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Volunteering and Internships

Apply to be an OYA VolunteerFor Current OYA Volunteers

How to Become a Volunteer

Start by filling out the online application at the top of this page. Volunteers at OYA must:
  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Go through a criminal history check
  • Go through a child abuse/neglect history check
    • Conviction of an offense will not necessarily exclude you from serving as a volunteer. If you refuse to disclose a conviction or submit to a criminal records check, however, you will be disqualified from consideration. 
After you submit the application, someone from OYA will reach out to you. If you haven't heard from anyone and want to check on the status of your application, email OYAVolunteers@oya.oregon.gov

Types of Volunteer Opportunities

Mentors offer teens and young men and women positive relationships with responsible adults.​

Academic progress correlates directly with lowered recidivism rates. Many OYA youth in facilities and in community settings can benefit from one-on-one help in basic academic subjects. ​

Volunteers are OYA’s primary resource for providing a variety of spiritual and religious services and study groups for youth in close-custody facilities.​

Volunteers can provide youth with practical advice and information that enhances their ability to successfully navigate life once they return to the community. ​

Volunteer businesses can provide a step up to OYA youth, offering internships or jobs for the short or long term. Maintaining employment significantly helps OYA youth lead productive, crime-free lives. ​
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Volunteer groups can sponsor living units of 25 youth by providing holiday celebrations and recognition of youth birthdays and special events such as graduations.​

Volunteers currently support many work experience programs at OYA facilities. These programs teach important job skills, good work habits, and responsibility.​

Volunteers lead or participate in many of the culture-specific events and programs in OYA facilities. Examples include Native American pow wows and beading groups, Latino leadership organizations, African American heritage events and mentoring, and LGBTQ+ Pride events.

To learn more about cultural-related volunteer opportunities, OYA's Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations at Samantha.Batista@oya.oregon.gov​ or 503-680-6164.

If you are interested in giving a one-time presentation at an OYA facility:
  • Contact the facility directly. They will let you know the process for setting up a presentation.
  • Approval is required from facility administrators


Internships and Practicums

OYA offers a limited number of practicum and internship opportunities for college students interested in the fields of psychology, sociology, criminal justice, youth treatment, youth reformation, or youth development. 

Interns and practicum students get the chance to gain practical experience in the areas of intercultural relations, mental health, addictions, academic support, and life enrichment groups. 

Please note: The number of internship or practicum opportunities at OYA is very small.

OYA practicum or internship candidates must:
  • Be currently enrolled in a college- or university-sanctioned program
  • Be eligible to earn college credit for their OYA activities
  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Complete the online volunteer application
  • Pass a criminal records check
  • Pass a check of the Oregon Child Abuse registry
  • Pass a national fingerprint check
  • Have excellent references
  • Attend volunteer orientation and training
  • Follow OYA rules, policies, procedures, and staff directives

General Contact

For general questions about volunteering at OYA:
Anissa Gonzalez, 503-871-3034

OYA Facilities Contacts

For questions about volunteering at a specific OYA facility, contact that facility's volunteer coordinator.

Camp Florence, Florence
Tom Schueneman, 541-997-2076

Camp Riverbend, La Grande
Kathleen Boyd, 541‐663‐8801, ext. 222

Eastern Oregon Youth Correctional Facility, Burns
Tonya Fox, 541-573-3664

MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, Woodburn
Debra Mitzel, 503-689-3417

Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility and Jackie Winters Transition Program, Albany
Anissa Gonzalez, 503-871-3034

Rogue Valley Youth Correctional Facility, Grants Pass
Colin Woekel, 541-955-6394

Camp Tillamook and Tillamook Youth Correctional Facility, Tillamook
Dean Jones, 971-704-4926

For volunteering with OYA youth in the community:
Debbi Martin, 503‐551-0487

Contacts for Internships

Kristine Meany, Facilities Treatment Svcs

Debbi Martin, Community Services