Special Transportation Fund

Special Transportation Fund (STF):

The STF Program provides a flexible, coordinated, reliable and continuing source of revenue in support of transportation services for people who are senior and people with disabilities of any age. The Oregon Legislature intended that STF funds be used to provide transportation services needed to access health, education, work, and social/recreational opportunities so that seniors and people with disabilities may live as independently and productively as possible. The funds may be used for any purpose directly related to transportation services, including transit operations, capital equipment, planning, travel training and other transit-related purposes. The STF and Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) programs will be consolidated in 2022 to create efficiencies. 

COIC signed an IGA with Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook Counties to help administer their STF programs. Deschutes County administered their STF program until 2021.

Jefferson County STF Program

Jefferson County STF Advisory Committee Meetings:

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 10-10:30 am

Packet

Minutes

Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 2-3 pm

Packet

Minutes

Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 1-2 pm

Meeting Packet

Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, December 8 from 1 – 2pm

Meeting Packet

Meeting Minutes

Appointed STF members include:
Elaine Henderson
Naomi Jacks
Regina Macko
John Smallwood
Ronald Cummings
Kevin Ellingsburg
Deschutes County STF Program

Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 11 am-Noon

Agenda

Minutes

Crook County STF Program

Upcoming Crook County STF Advisory Committee Meetings:

Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 1-2 pm

Meeting Packet

Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, December 9 from 1 – 2pm

Meeting Packet

Meeting Minutes

Crook County STF members include:
Shannon Dearth
George McCart
Ken Fahlgren
Adam Williams
Allan Dendy
Mary Lou Bernard
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs STF Program
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs manages their own STF Program. For more information, visit https://warmsprings-nsn.gov/

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