COCC hosted a Medstars summer camp in partnership with Cascades East Area Health Education Center. Medstars is a free, 5-day residence camp for diverse and underserved high school students (including Native American, Latinx, Asian American, LGBTQ+ and rural youth) in the Cascades East region. We had 13 high school seniors spend a week in the dorms and participate in a variety of opportunities to explore health career fields such as hands-on sessions in AHA Provider CPR certification and activities in COCC’s Nursing Assistant, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Tech, and Dental Assisting programs. Students also participated in OSU-Cascades Force Lab (careers in research & Kinesiology) and Cadaver Lab & Physical Therapy programs. St. Charles Medical Center Diagnosis Day engaged students in healthcare careers overview, a panel of medical students and other healthcare providers interacted with students.
Dear Industry Partners,
Being based locally is an asset! Strengthen your community partnerships by reaching out to your Career Connected Systems Navigator or Central Oregon Small Business Development Center. For further guidance, contact East Cascade Works (your local Workforce Development Board), or the Central Oregon STEM Hub.
Your direct involvement makes a difference! Provide guidance and feedback to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs by serving on a local CTE Program Advisory Committee. Mentor young people by developing internships, registered apprenticeships and posting job opportunities. Engage in outreach and promotion by participating in a career day or career fair.
Do you have a resource or contact to share? Please reach out to us at the contact information below! For an overview of how your company can get involved, download our CCL Guide for Industry Partners below. You can also visit the Career Connect Oregon page for industry partners.
Dear Community-Based Organizations,
Did you know that Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) are uniquely suited to improve workforce development for young people ages 18-24 with pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships? Learn more by reading this helpful article by the Center for Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning!
While your organization builds capacity to run apprenticeship programs, you can partner with other organizations and provide essential training, offer referrals, and contribute services to complement existing programs. Consider pilot programs as a viable starting point!
For information about national apprenticeship initiatives, consult Apprenticeship USA. For resources specific to Oregon, check out this link from the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries. The Oregon Health Authority is partnering with CBOs to provide funding for apprenticeship programs. Additional sources for general funding can be found at Care Oregon and the Oregon Community Foundation.
Dear CTE and STE(A)M Instructors, Counselors, and Education Administrators,
If you know someone starting out, send them to the Oregon Department of Education to learn about CTE teacher preparation and licensure. Once you are in the classroom, you are covered by Oregon State Standards. In addition, Career Connect Oregon has combined standards from the American School Counselor Association and Oregon Administrative Rules in an easy-to-read handout. We also provide you with curriculum suites at Career Connect Oregon.
To stay up-to-date in your field, consult with the Association for Career and Technical Education, and always check out what in-person and online trainings Oregon PDNetworks has to offer.
Return often to stay informed about what’s happening in your region and who to get in touch with to connect your students with the rich resources in your community.
You can also visit the Career Connect Oregon Page for educators.
Dear Students,
Get help and find the career and educational path that feels right for you. Here are some places you can check out right now!
Match careers to your interests at Oregon CIS, YouScience. Ask your school counselor for more information. What’s hot? Use Oregon’s Employment Department to research wages, required skills and education for high-demand jobs. Get paid to learn at AmeriCorps, JobCorps, and YouthCorps while serving in communities across Oregon and the US.
Want to start a business? Oregon’s Small Business Development Center and DECA have programs to help your ideas grow. Many careers with high levels of responsibility require a degree or training. Find hundreds of programs across Oregon schools. Check out Oregon’s 7 Public Universities, 17 Community Colleges, and Licensed Private Career Schools. Concerned about how you’ll pay for education? Oregon Student Aid has affordable options for everyone. You can also visit the Career Connect Oregon page for students.
Resource Guide for Grades 1-4
Resource Guide for Grades 5-8
Resource Guide for Grades 9-12
Dear Families and Caregivers,
You are the first influence on the young person in your home, and Career Connect Oregon is here to assist you in guiding them. Begin by encouraging self-discovery and exploration. What jobs are they interested in? Oregon CIS, YouScience, and Oregon Department of Education’s Career Explorer are excellent, free resources for developing awareness and beginning exploration.
What skill does your student need to develop along the way? Tap Oregon Employability Skills for their traits framework and C3 for their career journey maps, which will help in planning coursework and early workplace experiences.
As students enter high school, keep an eye on Oregon Diploma requirements. Oregon Employment Department’s Career Explorer will help spark a conversation about jobs.
PARTNERS WORKING FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
Title: Director of CTE and STEM
Role Description: The Director of CTE and STEM at an Education Service District leads the development of Career and Technical Education and STEM programs, focusing on curriculum enhancement, industry alignment and partnership-building with local businesses and educational institutions to support student career readiness in technical and scientific fields.
Phone Number: 541-693-5670
E-mail: brook.rich@hdesd.org
Title: COCC High School Options Coordinator
Role Description: The High School Options Coordinator at Central Oregon Community College works as part of the student services team to manage and enhance high school concurrent enrollment programs. This role involves coordinating the integration of high school students into college courses, ensuring these programs are effectively supporting students’ transition to higher education. Additionally, the coordinator is responsible for developing and expanding career-connected learning opportunities in collaboration with K-12 partners.
Phone Number: 541-383-7713
E-mail: lchurch2@cocc.edu
Title: STEM Hub Coordinator
Role Description: A STEM Hub Coordinator manages and facilitates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs and initiatives within a designated area or hub. This role typically involves coordinating with schools, community organizations and industry partners to develop and implement STEM education opportunities. The coordinator works to enhance STEM learning experiences, promote engagement and interest in STEM fields and support the development of relevant skills among students to prepare them for future educational and career paths in these areas.
Phone Number: 541-693-5775
E-mail: tracy.willson-scott@hdesd.org
Title: High Desert ESD Career Navigation Specialist
Role Description: The High Desert ESD Career Navigation Specialist focuses on guiding students in educational development and career planning within the service district. This role involves assessing students’ interests and abilities, providing information about career options, and helping to plan educational pathways that align with their career goals. The specialist collaborates with local schools, businesses, and higher education institutions to create opportunities for work-based learning, internships, and apprenticeships
Phone Number: 541-693-5681
E-mail: lisa.meredith@hdesd.org
Title: CTE Instructional Specialist
Role Description: A CTE (Career and Technical Education) Instructional Specialist focuses on enhancing the delivery and quality of vocational and technical education programs. This role involves developing curriculum, providing instructional support to teachers, and integrating industry-specific skills into educational frameworks. The specialist works to ensure that CTE programs meet current industry standards and prepares students effectively for immediate employment or further education in technical fields.
Phone Number: 541-693-5681
E-mail: kim.bezdek@hdesd.org
CTE Teacher Licensure is needed for an instructor to teach in a state-approved CTE program. Find out specific information for your program career cluster at the Oregon Department of Education’s CTE Teacher Licensure: Teaching, Learning, and Communication Resources. For help obtaining a CTE endorsement in your region, contact your CTE Regional Coordinator.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Open Learning: WBL Hub is Oregon’s K-12 open educational resource repository for work-based learning. The Oregon Open Learning: WBL Hub contains resources created by Oregon educators to help learners get the experience employers are seeking and gain the skills and credentials they need to enter and succeed in their careers.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Career Journeys: watch young Oregonians in high-demand trades share their career journeys and give you a window into their workday. Included in the link below are teaching materials for educators, including lesson plans, guide books, and in-class activities to supplement Career Journeys viewings.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */ASPIRE – Oregon Student Aid. The ASPIRE program helps educate Oregon students to become career and college ready. ASPIRE offers education, resources and mentoring opportunities for all students.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Career Connect Oregon – Curriculum for Educators offers curriculum suites aligned with ASCA standards and OARs. Suites include quick-start guides, lesson plans, and handouts. Cooperative learning strategies and creative assessment ideas included in each suite!
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Career OneStop Take this 30-question interest assessment to help you match your interests with exciting careers.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Career Journeys Watch young Oregonians in high-demand trades share their career journeys and give you a window into their workday.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Career Pathways: Explore career pathways through the Oregon Employment Department to understand the education and training needed for different occupations. Learn which jobs are in highest demand and what they pay.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Career and Technical Education: Oregon Department of Education offers programs and resources for students interested in technical and vocational education. Learn more about the 6 career areas and find programs in your school.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Training Corps: For students interested in environmental careers, OCC provides opportunities for training and work experience in conservation. Get paid to learn at AmeriCorps, JobCorps, and YouthCorps while serving in communities across Oregon and the US.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon State University Cascades Career Development Center: the Oregon State University Cascades Career Development Center can help guide students through the process of exploring what they want to do with their degree. The career development center also helps students apply for pre- and post-graduation opportunities.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Search CTE Programs Across the State. Curious about what Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are available? Visit this link for a database of searchable CTE programs at every high school in Oregon.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Young Employee Safety strives to prevent injury and illnesses and promote well-being among young workers through resource sharing and community partnership.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Career Information System provides career exploration and planning tools. Parents can access resources to help their children explore different career paths.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Student Aid: The Higher Education Coordinating Commission offers information on higher education options in Oregon, including college and university programs.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Personal Education Plan and Profile: Find out more about this document for secondary students—updated yearly—that contains their interests, coursework, career aspirations, participation in career-related learning and a portfolio of their achievements.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon C3 Career Journey Maps are centered around 16 major career clusters and designed to encourage discussion among practitioners, students and their families. Each map includes sample jobs, general specifications, job descriptions, suggestions for preparation, links to additional resources and suggestions for next steps.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Search CTE Programs Across the State: Visit this link for a database of searchable CTE Approved CTE Programs offered in Oregon’s high schools. There are two report options available; a Basic Search that displays program information for one secondary school offering CTE within the selected academic year and an Advanced Search that contains additional filtering options allowing users to explore results across, regions, counties, or career areas.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Workforce Talent Development Board – Employer Resources: Post your job openings, identify qualified candidates and plan for the future of your employees. The majority of the Workforce Talent Development Board is made up of Oregon business leaders from Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Energy, Sports and Apparel, Forest Products, Food and Beverage, and other sectors. The WTDB provides multiple tables, convenings and events for these leaders, and their public sector partners, to develop and drive strategy, policy and value for Oregon’s workforce system.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */WorkSource Oregon: Grow your skilled workers with apprenticeships, internships and training options. WorkSource Oregon is here to partner with your business and provides free services for employers and helps businesses craft job postings for improved results, convene job candidates through job fairs and hiring events. They can also help your business identify possible tax credits, provide customized workforce data analysis, and establish market-competitive wage rates to attract and retain talent.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships are an excellent way to invest in your community’s young workforce. They compliment classroom learning, ensure a trained and engaged staff, and contribute to worker satisfaction and retention. For details on how your business can participate, follow the link below:
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Mapping CTE, STEM and Workforce Education in Oregon This interactive story map shows how five groups promote career-connected learning and develop job skills across the state. The following maps allow you to interact with Oregon’s Community College Districts, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Partnerships, Education Service Districts, Regional science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) Hubs and Local Workforce Boards.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Minors, their parents and employers should know about the laws that protect children at work. They include hiring and working conditions that are specific to minors, restrictions on the hours and the types of work a minor can do.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Regional Career Technical Education Partners and Locations
Warm Springs, OR
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs is a sovereign nation in Central Oregon, comprising the Warm Springs, Wasco and Paiute tribes. The organization focuses on preserving cultural heritage, promoting economic development and ensuring community well-being. They provide essential services while emphasizing environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
Bend, OR
St. Charles Medical Center offers jobs for teens in food services and housekeeping, entry-level positions in environmental services, patient access, and has partnered with Central Oregon Community College to offer apprenticeships for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
Bend, OR
“The Bend Chamber has been here for the business community for nearly 100 years. For businesses seeking education, outreach, advocacy, networking, and more, and who want their membership dollars to work hard for them in the hands of local stewards, there is no better partner than the Bend Chamber.”
Bend, OR
“The Central Oregon Community College Manufacturing and Applied Technology Center trains workers for future success in Central Oregon with several Manufacturing Technology Certificates and Degrees.”
Bend, OR
Heart of Oregon empowers young adults ages 16-24 through employment, job training, education and service to Central Oregon communities. This organization is home to programs such as High Desert Conservation Corps, Youthbuild, Stewardship, Central Oregon Youth Conservation Corps, Camp LEAD, Go! LEAD, and the Madras Thrift Store.
Bend, OR
Youth Career Connect partners with Central Oregon high schools, local businesses, the the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council and East Cascades Works to connect teens and young adults (16-21) to local internships through their online portal: The Talent Hub. Offers mentorship, training, support services and employee advancement grants.
Redmond, OR
The Central Oregon Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Hub connects regional Pre K-12 education systems, higher education, community organizations, and business and industry partners to align, enhance and catalyze new opportunities and exploration in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Bend, OR
‘Volunteer Connect, Volunteer Central Oregon and Connect Central Oregon serve as one organization led by experienced community leaders to train future leaders through volunteerism, mentoring, innovation and partnerships.’
Redmond, OR
NeighborImpact empowers individuals and families by offering a wide range of services. From early childhood education and food assistance to housing support and financial coaching, they address critical needs across Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties.
Bend, OR
OYC is an accredited, residential high school for at-risk teens. The first 22 weeks are spent living on-site, focusing on academics and personal growth. Then, cadets return home for a year of goal-setting and support while transitioning back to their communities.
La Pine & Sun River, OR
“La Pine and Sunriver Economic Development (SLED) is a partnership between City, County, the private business sector and Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) to encourage economic development in South Deschutes County.”
Bend, OR
COCC features programs like outdoor leadership and environmental science, reflecting Central Oregon’s unique landscape and community values. The college supports student growth with small class sizes, hands-on learning, and resources for diverse learners. COCC stands out for integrating the region’s natural resources and community spirit into its educational approach.
Redmond, OR
“The High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) links school districts in Central Oregon to state and national education resources. Their programs help districts minimize duplication of services, preserve their local budgets and receive special programs that might otherwise be unavailable to them.” The organization offers numerous CTE and CCL initiatives.
Bend, OR
The COIC in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties, provides services to Bend, Culver, La Pine, Madras, Metolius, Prineville, Redmond, Sisters and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. It offers employment and training, alternative high school education, business loans, transportation, and community and economic development.
Career Connected Learning is a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Committee. Site design, implementation and content development by Southern Oregon Education Service District, in partnership with Inflexion and the Journalistic Learning Initiative.
