Community Services Consortium's Youth house, a licensed alternative school located at 536 S.W. Second St. in Corvallis, graduated 16 at-risk youths.

The graduation was Wednesday evening in the Tunison Community Room at the Corvallis Tunison Fire Station No. 4, 365 S.W. Tunison Ave.

Since leasing Youth House last spring, about 85 young people have been working in programs designed for each student. Usually about 50 to 60 students are enrolled but teens are free to drop in.

Students are usually referred to the program because they come from low-income homes, have been involved with drugs or alcohol, have learning disabilities or are teen parents. The young people catch up on the classes they may have missed or failed or they will work toward their GED or college degrees.

Most completed GED programs, some also are graduating from local high schools and several have completed this course.

Summer employment opportunities are also available. The program is funded through the Workforce Investment Act. Students come from Corvallis, Monroe and Philomath schools.