Programs to Rebuild Lives

Application Process

1. Review the prerequisites:
   • 18 years of age or older
   • U.S. citizen or legal resident, plus possess appropriate work permits
   • High school diploma or GED
   • Complete the NCRC test
   • Pass drug screening
   • Possess or be capable of acquiring a state driver’s license and/or auto insurance
2. Attend an Information Session with a copy of your driver’s license or state identification card, a copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate (if working on GED, provide proof of tests completed), a copy of your NCRC test scores if you’ve already taken the test.
3. Fill out an application. *You will receive an application once you have attended an information session.
4. Have an individual meeting/interview with a Constructing Hope staff member.
5. Complete the NCRC test.

Students learn:

• Construction Skills
• Blueprint Reading
• Applied Construction Math
• Safety
• Career Awareness
• Financial Management
• Workplace Expectations
• Construction Culture
• Professional Communications
• Plan for Life Success
• Green Training
• Understanding of budgeting

Students can plan to finish the program with:

• Ongoing career mentorship and support services
• OSHA 10 safety certification
• CPR/first aid certification
• Flagging certification
• Confined space and hazwoper certification
• On-site work experience
• Portfolio and Resume, Interviewing skills
• Hard hat, safety goggles, gloves, work boots, program binder, and a notes journal
• Referrals to organizations that provide trade-specific tools
• Apprenticeship and trade information

The Building Equity Program

The Building Equity Program is Constructing Hope’s response to the disparities our formerly incarcerated students and graduates endure in housing, employment, financial assistance, and more. The program works with current students and graduates to clear their criminal records and assist with obtaining an Oregon Driver’s License (new or reinstated).

The Building Equity Program partners with a network of pro bono attorneys to remove the disparities from our students’ lives by preparing the necessary paperwork to set aside (expunge) their arrest and conviction records. Constructing Hope has received grant funds to help get this new program off the ground and assist with fees, not fines, associated with expungement and license obtainment.

Please note: the expungement process is a slow and complicated one. Not every charge is eligible for expungement and depending on how many charges you have on your record determines your wait period for filing the appropriate paperwork. We are here to help you navigate the process and figure out what can be and when you can file to clear what is possible from your record.

Reinstating a license is dependent upon the reason behind why it was suspended, when it was suspended, and if there are any outstanding fines. We can assist with finding the steps to work towards getting your license back.