The Learning Center
At YPA we believe that educational success is a key component to becoming a productive community member. To help ensure education opportunities, we have an on-site Learning Center that is accessible for all YPA clients. Approved by the State of Oregon, our Learning Center is an alternative school that supports clients in obtaining their education and academic goals. We offer a variety of opportunities and services in order to meet the educational needs of each client.
High School Education
YPA clients have several high school options depending on their individualized education goals. These options include a high school diploma, modified diploma, or GED. YPA’s student to teacher ratio is 4:1, giving us the ability to use a small, interactive lecture format, as well as one-on-one instruction. Clients are also able to earn high school credits by completing their employment and life skills packets, participating in employability and life skills classes, job searching, and maintaining employment. Clients who choose to earn their GED attend GED preparation classes to get ready for the exams, which are taken at a separate location.
Special Education
The Learning Center utilizes several resources to support clients in need of special education services. We have a seasoned, full-time Special Education Teacher on-site who is also a Certified Reading Specialist. Clients also have access to individual tutoring and IEP services.
Higher Education
“The teachers are really supportive and helpful. They help me work on the classes I need for credits. School is fun and enjoyable because we do a lot of different things.“-Jason, YPA Client
Once a client has completed his/her high school education or equivalency, he/she then participates in college readiness. This individualized process includes researching colleges and degree programs, completing financial aid applications, enrolling in college, and developing good study habits. YPA clients who attend college courses are required to spend a minimum of one hour each week with a Learning Center staff for every three credits the client is working towards.
YPA understands the financial burden of higher education/training and the barriers that can cause for our youth. In order to encourage clients to pursue higher education/training we have created YPA client scholarship funds.These funds, named the Wes Laney Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Scott Family Scholarship Fund, provide financial awards to YPA clients who are enrolled in an institute of higher education/training.Both present and past YPA clients are eligible to apply for a scholarship, which are typically awarded on a quarterly basis.