Category: Youth Profiles

‘Just be you’

Five formerly incarcerated young women recently returned to Oak Creek to share their stories and advice.

Ukuleles sitting leaning against a wall outside

Symphony of Words

For many youth in OYA custody, making music is a form of therapy.

Close-up photo of headphones sitting on a keyboard

Youth wins national talent competition

J.T. won for a rap song he wrote while at Rogue Valley Youth Correctional Facility.

Two African American young men sit in front of computers in a computer lab

Into the Light

MacLaren is not a dark place with nothing to offer, a youth at the facility writes — it’s a hub of opportunities for growth.

Books on a curving bookshelf in a library

New Bridge students join Oregon book battle

A team from OYA’s Rogue Valley facility competed in literary trivia against other schools for the first time.

Outside photo of New Bridge High School and a metal bridge leading to it

Two students become first Rogue Valley college grads

Both earned their associate degrees from Rogue Community College.

Two hands hold the body of a wooden guitar

Youth build guitars from scratch

Students at MacLaren combine their love for music with their newly-learned skills in computer-aided design and woodworking.

December Holiday Observances

December holiday observances

Recognizing and honoring many of the cultural and religious holidays that occur this month

two hands typing on a laptop

Janus Youth Programs awards scholarships to OYA youth

Fifteen current and former OYA youth received scholarships for higher education or vocational training supplies.

Two young men in a barbershop shave an older man's head

‘More than just cutting someone’s hair’

Three youth from Camp Florence have become the go-to barbers in their coastal town.