Northwest Youth Corps established the OutDoor High School in 1997. This private secondary school is fully accredited by The Northwest Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities since 2003, which allows it to grant nationally recognized credits, diplomas and transcripts.

The OutDoor High School ('OutDoor School' or ODS) offers a combination of hands-on learning, conservation work, applied science, and academics. Operating during the school year, the OutDoor School follows a nonresidential high school format that includes overnight camping, smaller class sizes and an emphasis on mentoring.  ODS creates a positive educational experience for students, made possible in part by AmeriCorps funded team leaders.

The OutDoor School prepares youth for the workplace by emphasizing basic skills and career readiness, while providing a solid academic foundation for students interested in pursuing a college education. An innovative curriculum connects field study with math, science, language arts and social studies. Students apply what they learn, and work as members of a team to complete projects such as building trails, planting trees, restoring wetlands and streams, improving parks and completing classroom projects.

ODS earn a traditional high school diploma, requiring 24 credits, and can earn up to 8 credits per school year. Due to the daily nature of the ODS programs, youth need to live in Lane County to participate and provide their own transportation to and from school.

ODS operates in partnership with local school districts including Eugene, Springfield, Bethel, Creswell, Crow, Fern Ridge, Junction City, Marcola, Central Linn, McKenzie, Pleasant Hill and South Lane. ODS' activities are also made possible with generous funding from other sources. The Lane Workforce Partnership is the sponsoring agency for services provided to youth. Other funding comes from the Oregon Youth Conservation Corps, Juan Young Trust, Charlotte Martin Foundation, Eugene Rotary Charitable Trust, URB magazine, and grants from the Laird Norton Endowment, and the Eugene Water & Electric Board Partners-in-Education program.

Other support comes from Columbia Sportswear; McGraw Hill Higher Education Donation Program; Register Guard Newspapers-In-Education Program, Jerry’s Home Improvement Center, and several businesses and individuals. NYC thanks FOOD For Lane County, Golden Temple, Glory bee foods, and Grain Millers for their donation of cereal to provide a nutritious breakfast to Lane County students who might not otherwise eat breakfast. Finally, local project sponsors provide paid work projects to offer learning opportunities and support ODS operations.

There is no tuition cost to families for participation in the OutDoor School, but there is an occasional activity fee. ODS enrolls youth from all ethnic and economic backgrounds.  A licensed special education teacher is on staff to help students with learning disabilities. NYC/ODS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Program.