Find out what’s happening in our region and learn how to get connected! Postcards from the field offer a snapshot of current programming and upcoming events. Get quick access to vital details about the Lane Region by clicking on district details. Industry partners, parents and guardians, educators, students and CTE instructors interested in getting involved can check out our partner guides. Is there someone specific you are trying to get in touch with? Try our CCL Regional Contacts Directory. We organized our essential, regional links by audience for quick access. If you are looking for local CCL institutions, check out CCL spaces! Contact us at Career Connect Oregon to get in touch.
We're excited to share an update on the "Constructing a Brighter Future" project, a vital initiative under the Lane Workforce Partnership that's now entering its second year. This project has made significant strides in addressing housing insecurity in our community by building transitional shelters. It's a collaborative effort involving various local educational institutions and organizations, aiming to provide not only shelter but also invaluable construction trade skills to students. As we move forward, the project's goals for the 2023-2024 school year are ambitious. They include the completion and delivery of 16 new shelters, increased participation from local schools, and expanded mentorship opportunities in construction trades.
The positive impact of the Constructing a Brighter Future initiative extends beyond just constructing physical shelters. It is cultivating a skilled workforce ready to meet high-demand roles in the construction sector, thereby offering students real-world skills and potential career pathways. The involvement of 19 Lane County schools and the construction of transitional housing units are notable milestones that showcase the success and community-focused nature of this project. Through partnerships and continued community support, the project not only addresses immediate housing needs but also fosters long-term educational and economic growth
The HOPE Factory is an innovative educational and vocational initiative in Eugene, Oregon, designed to engage high school seniors (with some opportunities for juniors) during the 2024-2025 school year. This project is a collaborative effort between the Lane Education Service District, Lane CTE, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County. Located at St. Vincent DePaul’s facility on Garfield Street, the factory aims to manufacture high-quality, affordable, energy-efficient, and fire-resilient homes to aid recovery efforts from wildfire damage in Oregon.
Participants in the program will earn two high school credits and can also receive college credits, alongside industry certifications through hands-on learning experiences in various trades such as welding, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and manufacturing. The program is structured to run for 36 weeks, offering both morning and afternoon sessions during Monday to Thursday, with a full-day option on Fridays. Students will not only gain academic credits but also real-world experience, professional training, and a BOLI pre-apprenticeship certificate, making it a comprehensive educational opportunity.
Dear Industry Partners,
Being based locally is an asset! Strengthen your community partnerships by reaching out to your Career Connected Systems Navigator or Small Business Development Center. For further guidance, contact your Workforce Development Board, STEM Hub Director or get in touch with high school career and guidance counselors.
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: CTE Regional Coordinator
Role Description: A CTE Regional Coordinator manages and supports Career and Technical Education programs across a specific region, aligning them with both educational standards and workforce requirements. This role entails collaboration with schools and industry to tailor CTE offerings to local job market needs.
Phone Number: 541-461-8275
E-mail: svogel@lesd.k12.or.us
Title: Dean of Workforce Development
Role Description: The Dean of Workforce Development at a community college oversees programs that prepare students for the job market, focusing on skill-based training and industry partnerships. This role involves curriculum development, aligning educational offerings with regional workforce needs and fostering connections between students and potential employers.
Phone Number: 503-930-2371
E-mail: chinj@lanecc.edu
Title: Small Business Development Center Director
Role Description: An Executive Director of a Workforce Partnership leads the development and implementation of workforce strategies across various sectors, collaborating with businesses, educational institutions and community organizations. This role focuses on creating programs that meet regional employment needs and enhance job skills, ensuring a skilled and adaptable workforce.
Phone Number: 541-913-2284
E-mail: ashley@laneworkforce.org
Title: Career Connected Learning Project Coordinator
Role Description: A Career Connected Learning Project Coordinator oversees initiatives that integrate education with real-world career experiences, working with schools, businesses and community partners. This role focuses on developing and managing projects that provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, aligning educational content with current industry needs.
Phone Number: 541-461-8235
E-mail: hhostick@lesd.k12.or.us
Title: Executive Director | Connected Lane County
Role Description: The STEM-CTE Director at a STEM Hub manages programs that integrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math with Career and Technical Education (CTE) – focusing on creation practical, industry-relevant learning opportunities for students.
Phone Number: 541-654-4095
E-mail: heidi@connectedlane.org
Title: Specialist | STEM Education
Role Description: A Specialist in STEM Education designs and implements Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics curriculum and programs, focusing on engaging and relevant educational experiences. This role involves collaborating with educators and industry experts to integrate STEM concepts into classroom learning and prepare students for future careers in these fields.
Phone Number: 541-461-8302
E-mail: ggellon@lesd.k12.or.us
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 */CTE Educator Resources from the Oregon Department of Education provide information and a multitude of resources related to Career and Technical Education in Oregon.
/* 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 */Constructing a Brighter Future is a collaborative effort involving various local educational institutions and organizations, aiming to provide not only shelter but also invaluable construction trade skills to students. The project’s goals for the 2023-2024 school year are ambitious. They include the completion and delivery of 16 new shelters, increased participation from local schools, and expanded mentorship opportunities in construction trades.
/* 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 */Workforce Talent Development Board provides a productive space for educators to engage and partner with one another that includes innovative task forces, research projects, data and reports, strategies and recommendations.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */
a.custom-link {
background-color: #ff7800;
color: white !important;
font-family: ‘Lato’, sans-serif !important;
font-weight: 600 !important;
font-size: 16px !important;
padding: 14px 40px !important;
border-radius: 4px !important;
text-align: left !important;
text-decoration: underline !important;
display: inline-block !important;
cursor: pointer !important;
}
Link to CTE Educator Resources
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 */OSU Career Center: The University Career Center, located in Tykeson Hall, provides comprehensive job search services, career-readiness programs and networking opportunities. Their step-by-step Career Readiness Roadmap guides students toward workforce readiness. Explore job and internship opportunities through Handshake, earn academic credit for internships and get assistance with résumés and cover letters. Connect with mentors and explore work-study options to offset college expenses.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */LCC Early College Admissions: Check out this step-by-step guide for joining the early college program at Lane.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */The Workforce Services division of Lane County’s Health and Human Services Department offers various training programs to enhance workforce skills and employability. These programs include the JOBS Program, in partnership with Oregon DHS, providing short-term vocational training at no cost for eligible TANF recipients. The training focuses on industry-recognized certificates for jobs needed in Lane County.
/* 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 */Oregon Apprenticeship: This website offers information on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, helping students explore hands-on training opportunities in various trades statewide.
/* 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 */Apprenticeships | LCC: LCC offers a full-spectrum of apprenticeship resources, including coursework, access to training, connections to industry, mentorship and advisory committees.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Apprenticeships | LCC: College Credit Now allows enrolled high school students to earn Lane Community College credits for approved courses taught by qualified high school teachers at their high school campuses. This free program offers substantial cost savings, with classes held conveniently on-site and includes access to Lane CC’s library and tutoring resources.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Apprenticeships | LCC: offers diverse Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across its high schools, including the Early College & Career Options (ECCO) program. These CTE programs span areas like digital arts, engineering, and health services, providing students with hands-on skills and academic knowledge for success in advanced studies and careers. The district focuses on practical learning experiences, preparing students for higher education and the workforce.
/* 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 */LCC Quality Care Connections is Lane County’s Child Care Resource and Referral Agency. We support the local child care and early learning workforce through consultation, coaching, and training. We also educate parents and our community about Oregon’s care options, how to find child care that meets your needs, and how to recognize quality care.
/* 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
Eugene, OR
Connected Lane County in Oregon focuses on enhancing opportunities for underserved youth, collaborating with school districts, industry, and community partners. It operates three core programs—Elevate, Navigate, and Spark—to prepare youth for post-high school success. The organization emphasizes bridging educational and employment gaps, promoting equity, and inclusivity in its initiatives.
Eugene, OR
“Positive Community Kitchen provides local teens with the opportunities and skills to develop an abiding trust in their own
abilities to shape a healthier tomorrow. The organization works to create beautiful, delicious, and nourishing meals to people in our community members experiencing a health crisis due to a life-threatening illness such as cancer.”
Eugene, OR
PIVOT Architecture provides architectural planning, design, and interior design services via in-house professional staff on all of our projects. They often work with educators and students in the region to provide learning opportunities within the architecture industry.
Eugene, OR
Lane CTE offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that engage students in high-quality, relevant classes designed to convert their passions into careers. These programs, in partnership with local businesses, industry, and Lane Community College, focus on creativity, innovation, and leadership.
Eugene, OR
Lane Workforce Partnership is a nonprofit focused on addressing workforce needs through various programs and partnerships. It collaborates with employers, educational institutions and community groups to empower job seekers and meet employer requirements.
Albany, OR
Lane County Workforce Services offer resources for employers and job seekers–including career advising, job workshops, and skill development tools. The organization aims to meet the workforce needs of the local community, supporting employment and career advancement.
Eugene, OR
The Boys and Girls Club of Emerald Valley engages and inspires K-12 youth through mentoring, modeling good character and providing relevant, structured enrichment programs in a safe, inclusive and positive environment.
Eugene, OR
LCC offers a range of academic and career-focused programs to a diverse student body. The college emphasizes practical skill development and career readiness, connecting education with industry needs through partnerships and innovative teaching methods. Lane Community College plays a vital role in promoting lifelong learning and community engagement in the region.
Eugene, OR
Lane ESD provides specialized services to local school districts, focusing on special needs, administrative support, technology, and school improvement. Lane ESD emphasizes equity, collaboration, and excellence in education, aiming to enhance student achievement and integrate students into their communities.
Eugene, OR
“The Concepción “Connie” Mesquita Multicultural Center provides a comfortable atmosphere where students from all ethnic backgrounds can get information on admission, registration, course and program planning, and referrals to on-campus and community services. Located in Building One, Room 206. ”
Eugene, OR
“The factory will produce high-quality, affordable, energy-efficient, and fire-resilient manufactured homes intended to support recovery in Oregon, where home losses due to wildfires. The HOPE Factory will provide a learning space for students to train and the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals to learn valuable technical and professional skills. Students will work alongside craft professionals in a handful of trades, including welding, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and manufacturing.”
Eugene, OR
“Lane Arts Council, founded in 1976, is a nonprofit organization in Lane County, Oregon that provides in-school arts education programs, supports local artists and arts organizations, and coordinates community arts programs such as Fiesta Cultural and the First Friday ArtWalk.”
Eugene, OR
“We’re a proud supporter of local community and civic organizations, both at home and in the communities where we work. We believe that when you help a community thrive, by building what is important in peoples’ lives and by supporting organizations that make a difference, you improve everything that’s a part of a community.”
Eugene, OR
The organization is deeply committed to sustainability and social justice, incorporating innovative solutions and partnerships to build a robust social safety net. This includes over 1,600 units of affordable housing and essential services aimed at fostering long-term stability for individuals and families in crisis. Moreover, St. Vincent de Paul’s extensive recycling initiatives not only support environmental stewardship but also fund crucial social services, diverting millions of pounds of reusable materials from landfills each year.
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.
