Legacy Program at Operation Fresh Start

Legacy

Build, grow, thrive with an alternative option to high school

Layla, 2022 Legacy graduate

About Legacy

If you are between 16 and 24 years old, the Operation Fresh Start Legacy program is a great way for you to finish high school and take real-world steps toward whatever career calls to you. In this personal growth and development program, you’ll learn through paid, hands-on employment training on an actual job site – and through one-on-one, independent, and small-group academic work in a classroom setting.

In Legacy, you'll be working on more than just a high school diploma. You'll be working to prepare for the future you want. You'll be gaining the skills, habits, experiences, and connections to find success long after you earn your diploma.

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On the job site, you’ll work out in the community on a construction crew (building affordable housing) or conservation crew (removing invasive species, planting trees, spreading native seeds, preventing floods and improving water quality).

In the classroom, you’ll complete a personalized plan to earn your high school diploma or equivalent. You’ll also receive ongoing career development support and career coaching from our Transition Coordinators, who work with you to build the foundation for whatever career you aspire to.

Finally, you’ll have access to free driver’s education and behind-the-wheel lessons with support to reinstate or earn your driver’s license!

Yawan, 2022 Legacy program graduate

OFS staff will contact you to assist your career development and address any challenges you may be facing in college or work.

Grace's crew at Zach's Graduation, 2022

Legacy is accepting applications!

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Eligibility

Ages 16–24 in the Dane County area

If you are a Senior in high school or younger, you will need a referral from your home school

Applicants from MMSD must be entering the 4th Quarter of their 3rd (Junior) year before applying

Legacy can help you to:

Finish High School

Work towards earning your high school diploma.

Earn a Driver’s License

Receive support earning your driver’s license with free driver’s education and behind-the-wheel lessons.

Find a Mentor

OFS mentors help you build self-confidence, explore career options, and build a clear pathway to achieve your goals. Make community connections that will support your future.

Receive Paid Job Training

Earn a bi-weekly stipend for participating. Make a difference in your community through construction / conservation work. Earn credentials and certifications to build a competitive resume.

Earn Money for College

Upon graduation, earn an AmeriCorps Education Award of about $2,400 to use for college tuition.

Video produced by Everything Productions

Conservation

Construction

Meet the Legacy Program Staff

We look forward to helping you achieve your goals!

Bill Kean

Participant Resource Manager

Greg Miller

Outreach Specialist

Legacy is accepting applications!

Apply Now

Learn more about Legacy

The Legacy program is affiliated with AmeriCorps, a national organization that encourages people to do service projects in their community. Throughout a minimum of 1,000 program hours, you will earn a bi-weekly stipend while completing construction or conservation projects. Along with working towards earning your diploma and driver's license, you'll identify your goals for personal growth and explore career interests. OFS staff members are mentors who will support you every step of the way!

Education

OFS Legacy participants work with certified, in-house teachers to direct their own learning and meet personalized goals. You’ll move through “Gateways,” which are benchmarks for growth in academics and career readiness. In the classroom, you’ll learn practical skills like financial literacy, career planning, plus resume writing and job interview skills. On the worksite, you’ll develop the habits and skills required for success in any career: strong attendance, communication, teamwork, and grit.

At the end of your term, you'll be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps education award to use for college tuition.

Conner (left), 2022 Legacy program graduate and Miles (right) Construction Supervisor

Construction Work

OFS-built homes are sold to income-eligible, first-time homebuyers across Dane County. Homeownership is a valuable investment that helps families build generational wealth. Through affordable housing creation, you’ll gain construction skills – and also a sense of pride knowing the home you built will help community members improve their quality of life.

See Construction Worksites

Elizabeth, 2022 Legacy program graduate

Conservation Work

OFS conservation crews engage in a wide variety of work that helps improve Dane County and City of Madison parks and neighborhoods. You will learn how to safely and effectively remove invasive species. You’ll learn about the positive impacts of helping native plants thrive, including preserving habitats for native animals and insects and increasing biodiversity. Conservation crews also work to clear trails and make parks more accessible to visitors. In neighborhoods, crews remove trash and plant rain gardens that help reduce runoff into the lakes and reduce flooding risks.

See Conservation Worksites

Jeremiah (left) and Elizabeth (right), 2022 Legacy program graduates

College & Career Preparation

Operation Fresh Start staff are mentors who are committed to helping you achieve long-term success, beyond your high school diploma. Throughout your Legacy term, you’ll work with OFS Transitions Coordinators to explore your college and career options. Transitions support includes:

Career exploration
Job shadow experiences and workplace visits
Understanding education and training requirements for the career that interests you
Job readiness training (resume writing and mock interviews, soft skills training, professional presentation tips)
Earning certificates and licenses that will open doors to careers

We have a saying at Operation Fresh Start: “Once OFS, always OFS.” Our mentoring doesn't end once you earn your diploma! OFS staff will continue mentoring you in your job search and college enrollment process for the year following OFS Legacy program completion. OFS staff will contact you to assist your career development and address any challenges you may be facing in college or work.