Economic Recovery and Resilience

Baseline Economic Resilience

This report uses the University of Oregon’s 8 Questions for Understanding Resilience to conduct data analyses for each county.

The report is meant to understand Central Oregon’s baseline economic resilience and incorporate the findings into the region’s CEDS. The assessment findings will help prioritize CEDS projects and guide resource allocation.

Full Report

Crook County

Deschutes County

Jefferson County

 

COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan

Relying on the outcomes of the Needs Assessment, data indicators from the Oregon Employment Department, and the input of the Stakeholder Recovery Team, COIC published a recovery plan with eight high priority recovery strategies.

The plan is meant to be a shared document with shared strategies. It will act as a guide for recovery priorities and collective action.

Executive Summary

Appendix A: Full Strategy Details

Appendix B: Recovery Data Indicators

COVID-19 Economic NEEDS ASSESSMENT

COIC worked in partnership with the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement (IPRE) and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to conduct a regional COVID-19 Economic Needs Assessment.

The top eight needs revealed from stakeholder and community member interviews are detailed below. Each high-need area provides an overview of the COVID-19 Impacts, the Key Industry Needs, and Opportunities or Best Practices for action.

To view the complete assessment, including key themes of the pandemic and recommendations, please click on the pdf document to the right.

For more information on the Recovery and Resilience projects, contact:
ced@coic.org

Contact us

Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC)

1250 NE Bear Creek Rd.
Bend, OR 97701

541-548-8163

View all locations ways to contact us.

education

 

COIC provides an alternative high school setting for students to make up credits and return to their regular classrooms, or to earn the GED.  Students may also participate in the Youth Compass Program, a work-experience program that combines classroom credits with community service and natural resource projects.

 

Program Introduction

 

The COIC approach is based on individualized instruction for credit recovery or GED. Students, primarily aged 16-21, are referred by their local high schools to make up credits and return to their regular classrooms or leave the program with the GED. COIC is recognized as one of the most successful GED programs in Oregon, with 93 GED certificates awarded during the 2025-2026 school year alone. Students may also participate in work education through our Youth Compass Program.

 

Programs are held in Bend, La Pine, Redmond, and Prineville in conjunction with the school districts of Bend-La Pine, Redmond, Sisters, Culver, and Crook County. COIC also provides instruction for Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice and the Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge Program.

 

In addition, COIC offers summer work experience, giving students the opportunity to earn minimum wages and learn valuable hands-on work skills.  During the school year, students earn high school diplomas, GEDs, and high school credits that transfer to their local high schools. Typically, our students spend more than 10,000 hours working on community service and natural resource projects.

 

Talk to your school counselor about attending COIC or call one of our classrooms today!

 

Youth Compass Program

 

The Youth Compass Program (YCP) helps Central Oregon youth ages 16–24 discover career pathways, complete their education, and prepare for meaningful employment. Through individualized career coaching, paid work experiences, occupational skills training, career exploration, GED and high school completion support, and connections to community resources, YCP equips participants with the skills and confidence needed to achieve their goals. By partnering with local employers, schools, and community organizations, the program creates opportunities for young people to gain real-world experience, earn industry-recognized credentials, and build a successful future.
 
If you are interested in learning more about the Youth Compass Program or would like to explore available opportunities, please contact the Youth Employment Counselor serving your community. Our staff is ready to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward your education and career goals.

 

Order Your GED Transcript/Diploma

 

Order a copy of your GED transcript and/or GED diploma (electronic or hard copies) online from GED.com. Select the Grads and Transcripts tab on the top banner and answer the questions to verify your specific testing record.

 

Statewide Testing Notices

 

English Annual Notice for Statewide Tests - Download here

 

Spanish Annual Notice for Statewide Tests - Download here

 

English ODE State Testing Combined 30-Day Notice and Opt-Out Form - Download here

 

Spanish ODE State Testing Combined 30-Day Notice and Opt-Out Form - Download here

 

 

Youth Education program Contacts

 

Bend Classroom
For enrollment information, contact:
Katie Estvold, Teacher's Aid/ Registrar
458-231-1436| Email here

For classroom information, contact:
Patrick Jordan, Lead Teacher
541-706-1458 | Email here

 

La Pine Classroom
For enrollment information, contact:
Katie Estvold, Teacher's Aid/ Registrar
458-231-1436 | Email here

For classroom information, contact:
Andrew Peter, Teacher
541-316-9039 | Email here

 

Redmond Classroom
For program information, contact:
Dustin Gurley, Lead Teacher
541-280-0031 | Email here

 

COIC Skills Lab 
Deschutes County Juvenile Justice
Ami Stone, Teacher
541-322-7676 | Email here

 

Youth Education Program General Info:
Kris Schofield, Youth Education Manager
541-213-1998 | Email here

 

Youth Employment & Training Contacts

 

Bend Youth Compass Program
For program information, contact:
Jay Byers, Youth Employment Counselor
458-287-5575| Email here

La Pine Youth Compass Program

For program information, contact:

Nick Huggins, Youth Employment & Training Coordinator
541-280-6495 | Email here

 

Jefferson County Youth Compass Program

For program information, contact:
Matt Mahoney, Program Coordinator
541-403-0099 | Email here

Redmond Youth Compass Program

For program information, contact:

Matt Mahoney, Program Coordinator

541-403-0099 | Email here

 

 

Prineville Youth Compass Program
For program information, contact:
Jeff Warren, Youth Employment Counselor
541-420-6787 | Email here

 

Joseph Beaton, Youth Employment Counselor
541-233-6782 | Email here

 

Youth Compass Program General Info:
Laurie Harrer, Youth Employment & Training Program Coordinator
561-329-7873 | Email Here

 

Matt Mahoney, Youth Employment & Training Program Coordinator
541-403-0099 | Email here

Klamath County Youth Compass Program

General Info:

Sean Winters, Youth Employment Counselor
541-419-11812 | Email here

 

 COIC Student Handbook 24-25 - Download