Student Experiences in Social Science, Behavioral Science, Education & More

ED 103: Outdoor Teacher Training in Partnership with Camp Tamarack:
High school students can earn college credit while gaining experience as a counselor at Camp Tamarack Outdoor School. High school counselors spend three to five days supervising a cabin of 5th & 6th grade students, helping lead community building and science activities, and fostering lifelong connections with other volunteers all under the mentorship of Camp Tamarack Staff.

Students can earn college credit through COCC for ED 103 (1-credit, spring term): Offers experience in an outdoor learning environment. Includes training to lead a cabin group of students through a three to five day camp session. Covers leading outdoor education sessions, campfire programming, and team-building activities. Students earn up to 144 volunteer hours.

Detailed Informational Flyer

The Early Childhood Career Development Program is designed for those interested in or currently working with young children. You’ll provide care and enrichment for infants to children age 5. A classroom teacher and your faculty mentor will help you learn skills in early learning that you can apply immediately to a job in Central Oregon.

Participating students receive:

• $15.50/hour while working in your career field for 20 hours a week
• Up to 45 academic credits, saving up to $12,000 in tuition and fees (based on enrollment)
• Career placement advising after completion, helping you find a teaching position at a Little Kits Early Learning Center or partner child care center in Deschutes County
• Experience that meets state ELD qualifications to be an early learning child care teacher

This program is for individuals who are committed to early childhood education and aspire to work at least 20 hours per week in the field for two years following completion. High school graduates interested in a career in early learning are eligible to apply.

Youth Career Connect (YCC) serves Central Oregon high school and college students by connecting them to relevant career opportunities through Internships with local employers in many different career areas. An internship is a structured work experience related to a student’s major and/or career goal and is supervised by a professional in the field. The experience is designed to enhance a student’s academic, career and personal development. Students can search for internships on the YCC website as well as connect with the YCC internship coordinator at their local high school (Bend La Pine, Jefferson, and Redmond school districts).

Volunteer Central Oregon is an online tool that connects people with hundreds of community service organizations and volunteer opportunities in their community. Explore opportunities by interest area, length of service, and location.

The Central Oregon Chapter of the Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children presents its annual conference for 2023. This year's theme, Creativity, Curiosity, and Relationships at the Heart of Early Learning, highlights the opportunity for a mindset of creativity and curiosity to open our minds and hearts to connection. As we take time to engage with one another, we begin to reimagine how our partnerships with families and communities can support and inspire our interactions with young children.

ED 195Early Childhood Education/Education Conference (1 credit)

Attend the annual Early Learning Conference, held in collaboration with the Central Oregon Chapter of the Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children and community education partners on COCC’s Bend Campus. Includes latest education research, teaching strategies, culturally responsive pedagogy, and other topics presented by leading working educators. Participate and reflect on the conference sessions attended.

Conference Registration & Information