CCC Hosts Free Cyber Camp -06/11/25

OREGON CITY – Clackamas Community College is hosting NW Cyber Camp, a unique opportunity for high school students entering grades 9-12 to explore the exciting world of cybersecurity – for free. The week-long camp does not require any prerequisites – just a curiosity about computers and a desire to protect them.

Camp curriculum is designed for students of all skill levels. Instruction includes core concepts in cybersecurity fundamentals, as well as more advanced topics for students with prior experience.

What will they learn?

• Essential cybersecurity concepts: confidentiality, integrity and availability (C-I-A)
• How to defend against real-world attacks through team simulations and hands-on activities
• Network security, forensics analysis and password cracking
• Career paths in cybersecurity from industry professionals

NW Cyber Camp runs July 14-17, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the Streeter Hall Annex on the Oregon City campus, 19600 Molalla Ave. Lunch and snacks provided. Registration closes Friday, July 11, and requires a completed application, teacher letter of recommendation and completed waivers. For more information and registration details, visit https://nwcybercamp.org/.

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Lacing Up For A Good Cause: CCC President To Run 1,500 Miles (Photo) -06/11/25

OREGON CITY - Clackamas Community College President Dr. Tim Cook is lacing up his running shoes and setting out on a journey — running 1,500 miles across Oregon, connecting all 17 of the state’s community colleges. 

An avid marathoner, his goal is to run to each community college, averaging 32 miles per day. The campaign, Running for Oregon Community College Students (ROCCS) aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by students and advocate for increased state funding to support their basic needs.

At Clackamas Community College, 38% of students reported food insecurity in a survey this spring. They also shared challenges with affording child care and transportation. At the state level, a survey from The Hope Center reported:

• Food insecurity: Approximately 41% of students reported experiencing food insecurity.

• Housing insecurity: About 52% of students faced housing insecurity, which includes difficulties such as affording rent, utilities or the need to move frequently.

• Homelessness: Nearly 20% of students experienced homelessness, indicating a lack of stable and safe housing.

On Monday, June 16, Cook will start his run at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Ore. From there he will work his way across eastern and central Oregon, then south to Klamath Falls, up the Willamette Valley, over to the coast up to Astoria, down through the Portland metro area and finishing in Hood River where he plans to end his run with a jump in the Columbia River.

“Some have questioned why I’m doing this run and why I would subject myself to this, but our students deserve to be able to afford college and be able to pay for rent, child care, groceries and transportation,” Cook said. “If this run helps raise awareness and funding for basic needs, it will be worth every blister.”

Oregon's community colleges serve approximately 200,000 students, accounting for 52% of all public and private higher education enrollments in the state. The funds raised during the ROCCS campaign will be distributed to each community college, directly supporting students' essential needs. To donate or learn more about the run, visit run4orccstudents.org. 

ROCCS is supported by Rivermark Credit Union, Johnson RV, Daimler Truck North America, The Ford Family Foundation, Jim Laden and Rep. Rob Nosse, and the CCC Foundation.

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Discover The Wonders Of Nature At CCC’s Nature Spy Discovery Days (Photo) -06/09/25

Come Stargaze At The Environmental Learning Center (Photo) -06/06/25

OREGON CITY – The night sky takes center stage this summer at Clackamas Community College's Environmental Learning Center (ELC). In partnership with the Rose City Astronomers, the Environmental Learning Center is hosting a series of free public viewings at the Haggart Observatory, culminating in the annual CCC Star Party in August.

Community members of all ages are invited to explore the stars through a powerful 24-inch Newtonian reflector telescope housed in the Haggart Observatory dome, as well as through portable telescopes operated by Rose City Astronomers volunteers. Attendees can enjoy guided stargazing, learn about constellations, and ask questions of knowledgeable astronomy enthusiasts. Lakeside Hall will be open during all viewings for opportunities to learn more about the night's skies.

Haggart Observatory Public Viewing Nights

• Saturday, June 28 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. – Crescent Moon + STEM presentation in the ELC’s Lakeside Hall

• Sunday, June 29 | 8-10 p.m. – Crescent moon

• Saturday, July 5 | 9-11 p.m. – Gibbous moon

• Saturday, Sept. 6 | 9:30-11:30 p.m. – Full moon

Annual CCC Star Party
Saturday, Aug. 30 | 7:30 p.m. to midnight
Kick off the evening in Lakeside Hall at the ELC for a presentation about sights and sounds at night at 7:30 p.m., followed by telescope viewing until midnight on the athletic fields across from the ELC. Bring chairs, binoculars and blankets for a comfortable night under the stars.

All events are free and open to the public on a first-come basis. No pre-registration is required. If the skies are cloudy, call Rose City Astronomers for cancellation updates: 503-594-6044 or check their website at www.rosecityastronomers.net. 

Directions to the Environmental Learning Center
The ELC is located on the northeast edge of Clackamas Community College’s Oregon City campus. The easiest access is via the back entrance off Beavercreek Road. Turn onto Douglas Loop, then right onto Inskeep Drive. Look for signage for the Environmental Learning Center, with parking available just beyond the entrance.

About the Haggart Observatory
Since opening in 1989, the Haggart Observatory has offered the public access to the wonders of the night sky thanks to strong community support and an ongoing partnership with the Rose City Astronomers. Volunteers lead public viewing events, helping visitors explore celestial sights from planets to star clusters.

About the Environmental Learning Center

The Environmental Learning Center has a rich history as an educational resource for Clackamas Community College, regional schools, industry and the community. Located on the former site of a Smucker's processing plant, the center was created to demonstrate what people could do to reclaim industrial sites, address stormwater issues and restore wildlife habitats in urban areas. Each year, thousands of people visit to explore the 5-acre site and learn about watershed health. The site serves as an important stormwater facility for the college campus and provides critical wetland habitat for resident and migratory birds, such as the great blue heron, wood duck and merganser. For more information about the Environmental Learning Center, visit www.clackamas.edu/ELC.

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Clackamas Community College SBDC Honored With Excellence And Innovation Award (Photo) -06/06/25

OREGON CITY — The Clackamas Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was recently honored with the 2025 Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award for Small Business Administration Region 10. The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the award as part of National Small Business Week and recognized the SBDC’s outstanding performance and impact on small businesses across the region.

Led by Director Rob Campbell, the Clackamas SBDC exceeded its goals across multiple benchmarks last year, including:

• $5.4 million in capital raised (133% of goal)

• 100 successful capital transactions (111% of goal)

• 148 jobs created (102% of goal)

• 80 new business starts

• 7/5.0 client satisfaction rating

“I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the entire staff of the Clackamas Community College SBDC,” Campbell said. “We share this award with all the partners who support our mission: creating joy and wealth for small business owners — starting at home. We receive tremendous support from the CCC Board of Education, senior leadership and support departments. We are also fortunate to work alongside local and state partners who champion entrepreneurship in our communities.”

The Clackamas SBDC plays a vital role in local economic development through its advising, training and specialized services, including support for Spanish-speaking and veteran-owned businesses. The center also provides contractor certification training, helping to strengthen Oregon’s housing workforce.

As part of the Oregon SBDC Network, comprising 19 centers in 43 locations statewide, the Clackamas SBDC embodies the network’s commitment to building Oregon’s best businesses through expert advising, training and community partnerships.

About the Oregon SBDC Network

The Oregon Small Business Development Center Network delivers expert business advising and training to entrepreneurs across the state. With Centers across the state, the network is committed to helping Oregon’s small businesses thrive through innovation, partnership, and community engagement.

To learn more about the Clackamas SBDC, visit www.clackamas.edu/sbdc.

The Oregon SBDC Network is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, contributing $363,294 in Federal monies or 3% of our funding. The Oregon Business Development Department, Oregon's community colleges and other public and private partners provide $5,512,107 or 94% of the funding for the program. Oregon SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency.

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Clackamas Community College Students Win 13 Journalism Awards In State Competition (Photo) -05/27/25

Student journalists at Clackamas Community College won 13 awards in the 2025 Oregon Collegiate Newspaper Contest.

Among the awards were first-place prizes for photography, headline writing and website.

Students from “The Clackamas Print,” the student media organization at CCC, also won awards in the two-year school category for their feature writing, spot news photography and house ads.

Carlos Rodriguez-Picazo, a visuals editor, won best sports photo for a photo of a fisherman along the Clackamas River.

Quinton Prudhomme, a co-editor-in-chief for the Print, won two awards for photography for work he did at pro-Palestinian protests at Portland State University in spring 2024. He called the protest an intense scenario where he had to “carefully maneuver taking pictures where people really did not like their picture being taken.”

Prudhomme said a counter protester “tried to run over a bunch of protesters and hopped out of his car and started pepper-spraying people. I got some pepper spray in my eyes. Not fun, very scary.”

Prudhomme leads a team of student journalists with co-editor-in-chief Evan Tichenor.

Tichenor said, “I’m making sure work is getting done, and if not, making sure people have what they need. I expect us to win more than 13 awards next year.”

The awards were presented by the Oregon Newspapers Foundation at the annual Collegiate Day held May 2 at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Ore.

Dozens of students from Oregon colleges and universities took part in the awards presentation.

For more information on journalism at CCC, contact Melissa Jones at melissaj@clackamas.edu or visit TheClackamasPrint.com.

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Enjoy A Spring Concert At CCC (Photo) -05/23/25

OREGON CITY – Spring is here and Clackamas Community College music students will bring music to your ears. From jazz to choral to acoustic, there’s a performance for all tastes. Unless otherwise noted, performances are at 7:30 p.m. in the Niemeyer Osterman Theatre, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City. General admission is $5 and free for CCC students.

Clackapalooza

May 29, noon-5 p.m., Oregon City campus quad

Enjoy a free outdoor music festival featuring a full afternoon of live performances by bands and songwriters—each with at least one current CCC student and planned entirely by second-year Music and Performance Technology students. From indie and rock to funk, folk, and original songwriting, there’s something for everyone.

Instrumental Jazz Night

June 3

Clackamas Community College’s spring concert series opens with a night of jazz featuring performances by the CCC Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble, with guest Chris Shuttleworth on trombone. Enjoy an evening of student-led improvisation, classic charts and big band sounds.

Contemporary Music Ensemble and Songwriters Concert

June 4

The Contemporary Music Ensemble and CCC Songwriters take the stage for a night of pop/rock classics and original tunes. Don’t miss a special collaboration with Clackamas Wind Ensemble and the Advanced Vocal Ensemble choir for an epic performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Wind Ensemble and Classical Guitar Ensemble Concert

June 5

The CCC Wind Ensemble and Classical Guitar Ensemble will perform a varied selection of classical and contemporary works with guest soloist Joe Klause performing Henri Tomasi’s Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra. The program also includes performances by the CCC Guitar Ensemble and a student piano duo, highlighting collaborative work from across the Music Department’s instrumental programs.

Vocal Ensemble and Advanced Vocal Ensemble Concert

June 6

The CCC Vocal Ensemble and Advanced Vocal Ensemble, directed by Hollingsworth, present a program program of choral music. This event will highlight the artistry and versatility of CCC’s vocal students.

To purchase tickets, visit clackamasmusic.eventbrite.com. For more information about any of these events, contact Ami Collofello at ami.collofello@clackamas.edu. See a complete listing of upcoming music performances at www.clackamas.edu/music-events.  

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Nature Spy Explorer Kits Keep Children Exploring (Photo) -05/23/25

OREGON CITY – The Clackamas Community College Environmental Learning Center is launching its popular Nature Spy Explorer Kits with a brand-new theme for summer. The Water Wizard Kit brings the world of wetlands to life with materials in both English and Spanish, and allows children to experience the many wonders of water while learning and playing – from the comfort of home and neighborhood.

The Wetland Wonder Kits are conveniently shipped to homes and contains all the supplies to keep children entertained and inspired throughout the summer:  

• Materials in English and Spanish
• Easy-to-follow instructions
• Materials for creating a nature-themed craft
• Nature journal page with fun facts
• Activities to keep children exploring
• Nature-themed memory card game

Kits ship on Thursdays, June 5 through Aug. 28, or choose to pick up in person to explore the wonders of the wetland at the ELC. The cost is $50 and includes shipping. To purchase kits, visit https://bit.ly/nature-spy-kits-summer-2025. For more information, contact jessie.mulcahy@clackamas.edu.

About the Environmental Learning Center

The Environmental Learning Center has a rich history as an educational resource for Clackamas Community College, regional schools, industry and the community. Located on the former site of a Smucker's processing plant, the center was created to demonstrate what people could do to reclaim industrial sites, address stormwater issues and restore wildlife habitats in urban areas. Each year thousands of people visit to explore the 5-acre site and learn about watershed health. The site serves as an important stormwater facility for the college campus and provides critical wetland habitat for resident and migratory birds, such as the great blue heron, wood duck and merganser. For more information about the Environmental Learning Center, visit CCC's Environmental Learning Center webpage.

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Supercharge Summer At CCC’s Summer Connections -05/23/25

OREGON CITY— Kick off an electrifying summer at Clackamas Community College's fourth annual Summer Connections, a celebration of Juneteenth and Pride Month. The event includes a resource fair and entertainment lineup, tasty food and interactive activities for all ages.

This festive, family-friendly event will be held on Friday, June 6, 5-7:30 p.m. in the Wacheno Welcome Center on CCC’s Oregon City campus. There will be local community vendors sharing their exciting summer activities and service schedules, electric trivia showdowns, engaging kid-friendly activities, delicious food and sweet treats from an on-site ice cream truck. There will also be music provided by a live DJ and musical performances by local artists.

“Summer Connections has been and continues to be an intentional opportunity for community members to gather and easily discover the different summer activities and essential services that are available right here in Clackamas County,” Tina Francisco-Evans, program coordinator for the Cougar Leadership, Education and Advocacy for Progress Office, said. “It also gives us a chance to support local talent and organizations, laugh with our neighbors and strengthen our community bonds through good food and good music.”

Summer Connections is sponsored by the Clackamas Community College Foundation, Clackamas County, Clackamas County Early Learning Hub, the city of West Linn, Respond to Racism and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

This is a free event and open to the public. Clackamas Community College is located at 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City. Parking is free. For more information, visit CCC's Summer Connections webpage.