The Resource Assistance for Rural Environments program gives graduates the chance to be involved in community programs across Oregon. The deadline to apply for fall departures is June 14. Students will have the chance to gain experience, earn graduate credits and a salary.
RARE is a one-year program offered through the University that allows students to assist in making rural communities in Oregon more sustainable. Rose Armour, field coordinator for RARE, said she thinks the program offers more to a graduate than a typical entry-level job.
“This is definitely not an entry-level position. You’re going to have an actual project that you’re going to do, and you’re going to be responsible for a lot of the help in managing,” Armour said.
Projects for the RARE program range from community planning to helping develop small businesses. Program Director Megan Smith said RARE works with all majors.
“The projects can be specific to their interests and career goals,” Smith said. “Someone interested in working with youth might work in a small town that needs to develop a literacy program. On the other end of the spectrum, an individual interested in natural resource management could spend the year working with a watershed council.”
Program participants are expected to live in the communities they are placed in and work for a total of 1,700 hours during 11 or 12 months. Participants will receive a $1,250 monthly living stipend plus medical insurance and are eligible for an educational award of $4,725 from AmeriCorps upon the completion of the program. There is also an option to receive up to nine graduate school credits from the University community and regional planning program.
Jessica Cagle, a journalism major, is a graduating senior considering applying to the RARE program.
“It’s kind of scary. I don’t know what I am going to be doing after graduation,” Cagle said.
Cagle said her interest in RARE extends from her background in volunteering.
“I really like the idea of working in a community and getting to know people,” she said.
If plans beyond graduation are still unclear for a student, Smith said, “RARE is a great opportunity to test the career you want to have before making a lifelong commitment.”
Armour added, “You get your feet wet doing it and get all the contacts while you decide if this is where you want to go.”
The RARE program sets up students for opportunities besides a job, Armour said, such as graduate school. “This program, coupled with an undergraduate degree, is a great way to sell yourself to a graduate school.”
LaBree Shide is a freelance
reporter for the Emerald.