In partnership with the UCC Office of Early College, UCC Woolley Center for Adult Education, STEM Hub, and ESD, we hosted a Career and College Readiness Day at UCC Campus. This event provided local juniors and seniors from Douglas County high schools, as well as GED students, with the opportunity to connect with UCC resources, industry partners, and local businesses. Students honed their interview skills through mock interviews, preparing for summer jobs, internships, and collaboration with college staff.
Local industry professionals conducted these mock interview panels. Additionally, students participated in workshops covering résumé and cover letter assistance, employability skills, and campus tours. This event served over 115 Douglas County high school juniors, seniors, and GED students.
Around 220 high school students from across Douglas County gathered on December 12, 2023 for a full day of sampling a variety of careers in healthcare. The day opened with a welcome message from Dr. Rachel Pokrandt, UCC president, and featured an inspirational keynote speaker, Christin Rutledge, Director Area Health Education Center Southwest from Aviva Health. Students spent the morning and afternoon listening to healthcare professionals, viewing demonstrations and taking part in hands-on activities in areas such as Occupational Therapy, Nursing, EKG, EMS, Chemistry, Phlebotomy, Mortuary Science, Pharmacy, Ultrasound, Dental, Forensics, Health Sciences and many more.
After each session, students poured into the hallways to speak with various college representatives and learn about various resources. “It’s so exciting to see the kids come out of the sessions with their faces lit up and excited. The students talked about how much they learned,” said Sheryl Lehi, coordinator of the medical business office program. Lehi further noted that, “While still in high school, you can take courses in the allied health program at UCC, get a head start on a career path or have the opportunity to change to another career that interests you.”
Community partners hosted four healthcare break-out sessions at UCC, where students toured the dental assisting lab, Emergency Medical Services and nursing lab. Nearly every high school in Douglas County had student participation. This event would not have been possible without the support of our community partners and UCC Healthcare programs and staff.
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.
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.
View Industry Partners Guide
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
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 students 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. View Industry Partners Guide
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: 541-440-4777
E-mail: tracy.spelgatti@douglasesd.k12.or.us
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: 541-440-7750
E-mail: chelsea.hansen@umpqua.edu
Title: Director of Early College Initiatives | Umpqua Community College
Role Description: A Director of Early College Initiatives at a community college orchestrates programs that allow high school students to take college courses, earning college credit before graduation. This role includes developing partnerships with local high schools, managing dual enrollment programs, and ensuring that the curriculum meets both high school and college standards.
Phone Number: 541-440-7835
E-mail: missy.olson@umpqua.edu
Title: Executive Director | Southwest Oregon Workforce Investment Board
Role Description: The Executive Director of a Workforce Investment Board leads efforts to connect job seekers with employment opportunities and training programs, collaborating with local businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. They focus on developing workforce strategies that meet the needs of the economy. This role involves strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring programs are effective and inclusive, aiming to improve the local workforce and support economic growth.
Phone Number: 541-213-0684 (ext 1)
E-mail: heather@ecworks.org
Title: CCL Facilitator
Role Description: A Career Connected Learning Facilitator designs and implements programs that bridge the gap between education and the workforce. They work directly with students, educators, and industry partners to develop relevant learning opportunities that prepare students for future careers. This role involves organizing work-based learning experiences, such as internships and mentorships, and ensuring educational content aligns with industry needs, thereby enhancing students’ readiness for employment and further education in their chosen fields.
Phone Number: Coming Soon!
E-mail: melody.rogers@douglasesd.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 */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 */Community & Workforce Training: Offering a diverse array of classes, UCC helps individuals explore interests, enhance job skills and obtain vital safety and health certifications. From truck driving and wildland firefighting to pharmacy technician and project management courses, there’s a path for everyone. Additionally, UCC supports local businesses with affordable training and provides a wide range of online courses, emphasizing lifelong learning and community engagement
/* 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 */High School Connections: Umpqua Community College (UCC) offers high school students under 18 a range of early college opportunities, including online, on-campus and in-school college-level classes. Dual Credit, Expanded Options Program, Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search and Career Academy allow students to earn high school and college credits, acquire new skills and receive academic and career support. Additional accelerated learning options are available with a tuition discount.
/* 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
“Douglas ESD is committed to providing equitable and increased capacity in early childhood intervention, early learning education and special needs services.”
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.
Roseburg, OR
The Umpqua Valley Science Technology Engineering Art and Math (STEAM) Hub aims to increase the number of students pursuing a post-secondary degree in STEM-related fields in Douglas County. Their website offers professional development, a lending library, and lesson plans for educators.
Coos Bay, OR
“The mission of Recruit Hippo is to nurture a culture for youth work experience, ensuring the quality and increasing the number of opportunities young people have to apply their academic experiences in workplace settings. Recruit Hippo provides resources & support for employers, students, and educators throughout the entire process.”
Coos Bay, OR
“Through private grants, donations, and public funding the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board creates job training, skill upgrades, apprenticeships and internship opportunities, focusing on employment benefiting the individual and the community.”
Roseburg, OR
“The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians upholds Tribal Government, protects and preserves Tribal sovereignty, history, culture and the general welfare of the Tribal membership, and serves to provide for the long-term economic needs of the Tribe and its members through the economic development of Tribal lands. The Tribe encourages and promotes a strong work ethic and personal independence for Tribal members, while strongly upholding the “government to government” relationship with local, State and Federal governments.”
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.
