In 2023, due in part to Career Connect Learning (CCL) regional outreach, a strategic partnership between Eagle Point High School (EPHS) and Rogue Community College (RCC) formed in response to EPHS's desire to expand healthcare exploration and certificate opportunities for students. RCC facilitated a year-long, tailored pathway for juniors and seniors to pursue a RCC phlebotomy certificate. Beginning fall 2023, students immersed themselves in face-to-face courses at RCC’s Health Professions Center, developing skills necessary to begin their healthcare careers. Scholars complete two classes per term, which culminate in a 60-hour practicum at a local healthcare institution in spring 2024.
Upon completion of their RCC phlebotomy certificate, EPHS students will be eligible to sit for the NHA’s Certified Phlebotomy Technician licensure exam. Students will gain a nationally recognized credential.
Through this collaboration, students start their career pathway in a high-demand field while local industry stakeholders benefit from cultivation of a skilled talent pipeline. The partnership not only fosters academic growth but also underscores the power of collaborative endeavors in empowering students and meeting workforce needs.
RCC welcomed students from Medford and Ashland School Districts to the High Tech Center on Table Rock Campus for an exploration of tech career pathways through the MPACT pre-apprenticeship program. The visit provided an opportunity to learn about apprenticeship programs and tech certificates offered at RCC in various trades. Attendees learned more about careers in locally high demand fields, including manufacturing, diesel technology, welding and electronics.
The High Tech Center tour also offered students an opportunity to learn about program-specific skills and equipment. Activities included a mill-maze competition, promoting l learning and inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals.
Rogue Community College, in partnership with Jackson County Fire District 3 and Mercy Flights, hosted juniors and seniors from two area high schools for the inaugural Emergency Services Demo Day on the Fire Department 3 training grounds. This half-day event included a 45-minute, multi-vehicle accident demonstration, emphasizing the physical and socio-emotional aspects of paramedic, emergency medical technicians (EMT), and fire science careers. Students rotated through stations to learn more about these fields and training opportunities. The event aims to create a pipeline for intensive work-based learning opportunities, including Mercy's Explorer program.
Rogue Community College (RCC), in partnership with Three Rivers School District, is developing the College Connect program for career exploration and Career Technical Education (CTE) courses. The program will be held on the RCC - Redwood campus on Fridays, expanding academic opportunities for students on a 4-day a week high school schedule. Once enrolled in Early College, students will have access to career exploration and CTE courses to enrich their career journeys.
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, or STEM Hub Director.
Your direct involvement makes a difference! 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: Career Connected Learning Systems Navigator
Role Description: The Career Connected Learning Systems Navigator connects educational programs with career development, collaborating with schools and industry to provide students with diverse career learning opportunities.
Phone Number: 541-956-7258
E-mail: rhorton@roguecc.edu
Title: Dean of Workforce Development | RCC
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: 541-956-7444
E-mail: lparks@roguecc.edu
Title: Director | RCC Small Business Development Center
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: 541-956-7484
E-mail: rswain@roguecc.edu
Title: Dual Credit Coordinator
Role Description: Serves as the primary liaison between high schools and the College and ensures compliance with state and other standards. Supports wider District strategic efforts as they relate to Dual Credit Program. Dual enrollment programs allow students to take college classes while they’re still enrolled in high school. These classes count for both high school and college credit. High school students who complete dual enrollment may need to take fewer classes in college due to earning transferable college credit.
Phone Number: 541-776-8590 ext. 1199
E-mail: morgan_cottle@soesd.k12.or.us
Title: CCL & STEAM Program Manager
Role Description: The CCL & STEAM program manager oversees programs that integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math with Career and Technical Education (CTE) – focusing on creation practical, industry-relevant learning opportunities for students.
Phone Number: 541-776-8590 ext. 1128
E-mail: karla_clark@soesd.k12.or.us
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: 541-776-8593
E-mail: brian.robin@soesd.k12.or.us
Title: Director of Workforce Partnerships | Rogue Workforce Partnership
Role Description: The Director of Workforce Partnerships focuses on assessing local labor market needs, developing training programs and connecting job seekers with employment opportunities. They collaborate with employers to understand industry requirements and work with educational institutions to align training with these needs.
Phone Number: 541-842-2518
E-mail: stephannie@rogueworkforce.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 */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 */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.
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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 */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 */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
Roseburg, OR
The Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley is a non-profit empowering youth from 1st to 12th grade. It provides a supportive environment for homework, leadership development, recreation and creative expression. The Club ensures over 3000 kids have access to transformative programs.
Roseburg, OR
Provides resources for tribal members and other Native Americans to become lifelong learners and strong community members. Visit their site to find a career center, education program, language study, opportunities and other resources.
Medford, OR
“The Rogue Workforce Partnership is a business-led coalition that works to strengthen the economy of the Rogue Valley. The organization catalyzes and convenes dynamic partnerships with business leaders, K-12 educators, workforce service providers, economic development, and other key community partners to strengthen ties and promote economic growth.”
Medford, OR
“Construct Your Future in Grants Pass, OR is looking for men and women to begin a registered apprenticeship program in the construction industry. Rogue Valley is accepting applications all year around.”
Central Point, OR
“We are a do-it-yourself (DIY), maker, hacker, and industrial art space that provides entrepreneurs, students, craftspeople and you with a place to create and innovate in a collaborative environment.”
Grants Pass, OR
“The Chamber is dedicated to helping local companies grow their business and create a thriving economy. They serve as the voice for businesses and focus on creating a strong business climate. They offer networking, advocacy, connections, marketing, and community engagement.”
Medford, OR
The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County has four strategic objectives: to encourage visitors through Travel Medford, encourage cooperation between governmental agencies, provide members with networking opportunities and to represent business through lobbying.
Grants Pass, Medford, and White City, OR
RCC’s Guided Pathways Program offers various programs, including degrees and certificates in fields such as health, public safety, business, information technology, manufacturing and engineering across its three campuses in Medford, White City and Grants Pass.
Grants Pass, OR
“Project Youth prepares low-income, first-generation, and under-represented youth to thrive in school, careers and life. They use resiliency development strategies personalized to meet the strengths, preferences, and challenges of each individual.”
Medford, OR
“SOESD partners with local school districts to provide high-quality, cost-effective education services to the region. SOESD serves 13 school districts, over 100 buildings, 3,500 teachers and 52,000 students in Jackson, Josephine and Klamath Counties—a 10,600 square-mile geographic area.”
Ashland, OR
“The City and the Ashland Chamber of Commerce share a leadership role in supporting and assisting current and prospective businesses, helping them understand the local economy, find solutions and assistance from other economic development partners locally, regionally and at the State and Federal levels.”
Medford, OR
Mercy Flights hosts career days for local middle and high schools, partners with educational clubs to support under-served students and provides internship opportunities through nearby community colleges. They provide continuing medical education and safety training for our first response partners and community members.
Medford, OR
The Southern Oregon Education Service District’s STE(A)M Hub, alongside Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming, offers a comprehensive approach to education, blending science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics with vocational training. This initiative supports a wide range of educational activities, including project-based learning, after-school programs and summer camps.
Grants Pass, OR
Grants Pass High School offers seven different Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study tailored to diverse career aspirations. These programs—ranging from automotive, computer science and culinary arts, to early childhood education, health science, manufacturing, marketing and business education—offer a comprehensive curriculum.
Grants Pass, OR
“As the key regional provider of entrepreneurial and business development services, the RCC SBDC plays a vital role in Southern Oregon’s economic development by assisting entrepreneurs in every stage of the business life cycle. They work to assist emerging and growing businesses by providing professional expertise, tools, and resources.”
Talent, OR
“Talent Maker City is an advocate of economic development throughout Southern Oregon and supports our creative entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local makers. Our Makerspace includes a complete woodshop, technology (3D printing, laser engraving), screenprinting, sewing, ceramics, CNC, and vinyl cutters for students and community members.”
Grants Pass, OR
“The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley is to provide year-round positive, fun and safe places for all youth, helping them to build self-esteem and develop skills necessary to make right choices, and become responsible, productive citizens.”
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.
