Village Studios (ages 14+)

Explore your strengths. Build real skills. Create work that matters.

More than a class, Village Studios are learning communities where teens spend the year developing meaningful projects, real-world skills, and lasting confidence while working alongside mentors and peers. Through collaboration, creativity, and increasing responsibility, learners discover what they’re capable of while creating work that serves Village Home, our local community, and beyond.

Village Studios are built around a simple philosophy:

Trust young people with real work that has real purpose.

Whether you’re launching a business, producing media, or preparing for a future in the performing arts, every studio is designed to help you explore your strengths, build confidence through authentic experiences, and create work that matters.

Joining a Village Studio

Village Studios meet once a week for two hours across three 10-week terms (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and are designed as year-long learning communities where learners have the time to develop meaningful projects, build transferable real-world skills, and grow alongside their peers. Because authentic projects don’t always fit neatly into a weekly meeting, learners should also expect to spend time outside of studio meetings collaborating with teammates, practicing, creating, or completing project work.

  • Tuition: $325 per learner, per studio, per 10-week term.
  • Application Fee: A $25 non-refundable application fee is due at the time of application.
  • Enrollment: Applications are accepted in Fall and Spring only. Learners accepted in the Fall are expected to commit to both the Fall and Winter terms to support long-term projects and studio collaboration. Spring offers a smaller project cycle and an opportunity for new learners to join.
  • Application Process: Both the learner and a parent/guardian complete an application. Learners who complete the application process will be invited to an interview where we’ll get to know them, learn more about their interests, and discuss the commitment, collaboration, and opportunities that come with being part of a Village Studio.

Open for Business

Run a real business. Make real decisions.

Facilitated by Jill Jackson and Brie Noble

Wednesdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

What does it actually take to build a business that people love?

In this studio, you’ll take the lead in growing Village Home’s learner-run café, Middle Grounds, while learning entrepreneurship through real experience. From developing new products and marketing strategies to improving customer experience and exploring how local businesses succeed, you’ll help make real decisions that have a real impact.

You’ll leave with practical business skills, leadership experience, and projects that demonstrate what you’re capable of creating.

If you like solving problems, talking with people, and seeing your ideas come to life, this is your studio.

*Note – Working shifts at Middle Grounds Cafe is not required to be a part of the Studio.

The Production Room

Dream it. Build it. Share it.

Facilitated by Tiffany Burghart

Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Every great story starts with an idea.

In this studio, you’ll join a creative production team responsible for bringing media projects to life for a real audience. Whether producing podcasts, creating videos, designing marketing campaigns, building a website, or launching something entirely new, you’ll learn by creating work that people actually experience.

Along the way, you’ll develop creative, technical, and collaborative skills while building a portfolio of published work.

If you’re curious, creative, and excited to build something from scratch, this is your studio.

The Next Act

Discover what’s next. Then step into it.

Facilitated by Ireland McNeill

Fridays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Great performers don’t wait to be discovered. They create opportunities to share their gifts.

Whether your passion is acting, singing, directing, choreography, technical theater, writing, or design, this studio is designed to help you grow as both an artist and a creative leader. Through workshops, mentorship, real-world experiences, and portfolio-building projects, you’ll strengthen your craft while exploring educational and career pathways in the performing arts.

By the end of the year, you’ll have a portfolio that reflects your unique strengths and a clearer vision for where your next act might lead.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, share your gifts, and discover what’s possible when preparation meets opportunity, this is your studio.

Parent/Guardian Application
Teen Application

Teen Leadership Program

Our Teen Leadership Program at Village Home offers several ways for teens to gain valuable work and volunteer experience, boost their resumes, and develop leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Teens can apply for one or more programs, each providing unique opportunities to grow and contribute to our community. Apply using our Google form at any time. Teens are able to start in new positions at the beginning of each term.

Middle Grounds (ages 14+)

Middle Grounds provides a hands-on business experience for teens interested in learning the essentials of running a small business. Teens in this program handle real-world responsibilities, from customer service and transaction handling to basic management tasks, all in a supportive environment.

Responsibilities include:

  • Collaborating with team members to ensure smooth operations.
  • Handling monetary transactions responsibly.
  • Providing exceptional customer service.
  • Developing communication skills through daily interactions.
  • Assisting in management tasks, gaining foundational management experience.

Skills and Benefits:

  • Real-world experience in a small business setting.
  • Skills in teamwork, money management, customer service, and communication.
  • Enhanced resumes with relevant experience.
  • An excellent introduction to the professional world.
*Note: Working at Middle Grounds Café is open to interested learners and does not require enrollment in the Open to Business studio.

Classroom Assistant Program (ages 13+)

The teen classroom assistant role is ideal for those who enjoy working with children and want to gain experience in an educational environment. Classroom assistants work with instructors to support classroom activities and develop valuable skills like patience, organization, and adaptability.

Responsibilities include:

  • Assisting instructors to maximize class time.
  • Supporting younger children in activities.
  • Completing daily tasks as directed by the instructor.

Skills and Benefits:

  • Hands-on experience working with educators and young learners.
  • Skills in communication, leadership, and organization.
  • A solid addition to job applications with practical classroom experience.

Learner Council (ages 14+)

Learner Council members play an essential role in planning and facilitating Village Home community events. This program emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and community engagement, as members work on various committees throughout the year.

Responsibilities include:

  • Actively planning and executing community events.
  • Participating in weekly meetings and leadership development.
  • Rotating roles to gain a diverse range of skills and experiences.

Skills and Benefits:

  • Experience in event planning and teamwork.
  • Development of communication and organizational skills.
  • Opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the Village Home community.

Choose the program that best fits your interests, or apply to multiple to broaden your experience. Fill out the application, and if selected, you’ll be notified and onboarded into the program. Join us in making a difference while building your skills and connections!

Apply Here for 2026-27

Village Home Mock Trial (ages 14+)

Build Skills. Gain Confidence. Stand Out.

Started in 2011 by a small group of motivated learners, Village Home Mock Trial (VHMT) has grown into an award-winning program known for its excellence, professionalism, and sense of community. Each season, VHMT brings together teams of learners who challenge themselves to think critically, speak confidently, and collaborate effectively while building lifelong memories along the way.

VHMT competes in the Oregon High School Mock Trial Competition, hosted by Classroom Law Project, where over 70 teams from across the state participate in regional and state tournaments. VHMT has a strong track record of success, including:

  • Oregon State Champions in 2022 and 2015

  • Two-time National Championship competitors

  • Final-round appearances in national invitational tournaments

  • Individual awards for sportsmanship and professionalism

But VHMT is more than just a competition team – it’s a powerful learning experience. Participation builds real-world skills that help learners stand out in college applications and future careers. Through roles as attorneys, witnesses, and courtroom personnel, learners strengthen:

  • Critical thinking and logical reasoning

  • Public speaking and persuasive communication

  • Teamwork, adaptability, and leadership

  • Understanding of the legal system and civil discourse

VHMT alumni have gone on to thrive in top college mock trial programs, attend prestigious law schools, and pursue careers in law, medicine, education, politics, writing, and more.

Whether you’re drawn to debate, drama, justice, or simply want to grow your confidence and skill set, VHMT offers a meaningful and memorable experience. It’s preparation not just for court, but for life.

View our Choices Class Schedule for more information!

Village Home Model United Nations (ages 13+)

As members of the Village Home Model United Nations (VHMUN) delegation, learners develop research and communication skills while engaging with complex political, cultural, and humanitarian issues shaping our global community.

VHMUN prepares learners for the annual Oregon Model United Nations Conference, held each spring on the University of Oregon campus. Hundreds of student delegates from across the state gather to represent countries, debating policy and negotiating solutions to real-world issues. It’s a full-scale simulation of international diplomacy and an unforgettable experience.

Learners become delegates, serving on committees such as Human Rights, Global Economy, Global Security, and Environment. Some serve on specialized bodies like the International Court of Justice, the Commission on the Status of Women, or the Security Council. Through this work, VHMUN members sharpen public speaking and persuasive argument skills. They also practice negotiation, leadershiop, and cultural awareness.

VHMUN is an activity for learners who want to understand the world more deeply andengage with it more thoughtfully.

View our Choices Class Schedule for more information!

Important Notice: Registration System Updates and Instructions

We want to inform you about some current issues with our registration system and provide guidance to ensure a smooth experience:

  1. Dropping a Class After Enrolling:

    • To request a drop after enrolling, please select the beginning of the term date as the drop date. We understand this is not intuitive, and apologize for the inconvenience. Please see screenshot included.

  2. Class Visibility During Registration Periods:

    • When Registration is OFF:
      • Families can log in or out to view all current fall classes.
    • When Registration is ON for Staff and Faculty between Tuesday, July 16 & 17 AND for Returning Families between Thursday, July 17 – Sunday, July 21:
      • Families will not be able to search for classes while logged in until their designated registration period.
      • Example: On Tuesday, staff and faculty will see classes when logged in because they have a keyword allowing them to register. However, a returning family will see no classes when logged in until Thursday, when their registration period begins.
      • Note: If families log out, they will still be able to see all classes and use all filters.

This issue will only persist until July 22, when registration opens to everyone.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at office@villagehome.org.