Job Search & Career Counseling Services
COIC in partnership with WorkSource Oregon helps job seekers of all ages and experience with job-seeking services, including education and training. Most services are available at no cost, although some eligibility requirements may apply.
Workshops & Computer Classes
- How to target your job search
- How to use computers to write your resume and search online for jobs
- What to expect in an interview and get tips on how to succeed
- Interviewing practice (Mock Interviews)
- How to use Oregon Employment Department job referral system (iMatch)
- How to investigate labor market information, trends and current wages
- How to effectively complete an application and write a cover letter and resume
- Identify transferrable skills for new employment possibilities
- What employers in the area are looking for in an employee
Virtual Workshops for job seekers
Access
- One-on-one career counseling
- Mock interviews
- Career assessments and workshops
- Info on training providers and financial aid
- Info on area resources including vocational rehab and housing
Who Can Use Our Services?
Any job-seeking individual is eligible for most services. A current WorkSource registration with valid ID is required. Specific eligibility requirements may apply in some programs.
How to Get Started?
- Register or update your WorkSource registration at iMatchSkills.org or visit your local COIC/WorkSource Office to use our computers for registration.
- Contact COIC Worksource Staff at 541.388.6414, or at training@coic.org
- Get information about virtual workshops, career counseling, and resources.
COIC is part of WorkSource Oregon, a network of partnerships and sites throughout Oregon committed to integration, collaboration and focusing on results that matter to workforce customers. Local partners include (clicking the links below will open a new window connecting you to our partners):
Oregon Employment Department
Department of Human Services Self-Sufficiency Program
Vocational Rehab
Central Oregon Community College (COCC)
Veterans’ Services
Contact us
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC)
1250 NE Bear Creek Rd.
Bend, OR 97701
541-548-8163
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
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