Chemeketa Approved To Offer New Bachelor Of Applied Science In Education Degree - 04/30/26

BASE degree will create a new, local pathway for future teachers and help address Oregon’s educator shortage 

Salem, Ore., April 30, 2026 — Chemeketa Community College has been approved to offer a new Bachelor of Applied Science in Education degree as part of Oregon’s statewide BASE initiative, creating an exciting new opportunity for students who want to become teachers while staying connected to their local communities.

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission approved the new degree on April 9. Chemeketa is one of five Oregon community colleges approved to offer the BASE degree beginning Fall 2027, along with Columbia Gorge, Linn-Benton, Rogue and Treasure Valley community colleges. The colleges will work together through a statewide consortium designed to expand access, reduce duplication and support a coordinated, cost-effective rollout.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Chemeketa students and for the communities we serve,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “Many future educators are already working in our schools, supporting students as instructional assistants, bilingual staff members and community advocates. The BASE degree creates a more accessible pathway for them to take the next step and become licensed teachers.”

The new degree comes at a critical time for Oregon. The state is projected to face more than 3,000 licensed teacher vacancies within five years, with some of the greatest needs in special education, bilingual education and rural classrooms.

Chemeketa’s participation in the BASE initiative aligns with the college’s mission to expand educational opportunity and strengthen the regional workforce. The program is designed to serve students who may not be able to relocate or follow a traditional university pathway, including working adults, first-generation college students, bilingual instructional assistants and rural residents.

“This degree has the potential to change lives in a very practical way,” Howard said. “Students will be able to pursue a bachelor’s degree through their local community college, while school districts gain access to talented educators who already understand the communities and students they will serve.”

The BASE degree will complement existing university transfer pathways and educator preparation programs by creating another route into the teaching profession. The statewide consortium model will rely on shared curriculum, online and hybrid delivery, existing college infrastructure and credit for prior learning to help keep the program accessible and affordable.

As part of HECC’s approval, enrollment will be capped statewide at 30 students in the first year and 50 students per year during the following three years to support quality and sustainable growth.

More information about Chemeketa’s BASE degree pathway will be shared as program development continues.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

Get Ahead In Tech This Summer: Chemeketa Computer Information Systems Program Offers Tuition Support For Eligible Students - 04/28/26

Online summer classes starting June 22, 2026 provide flexible pathways to in-demand tech careers with application deadlines beginning May 22 

Salem, Ore., April 28, 2026 — Students looking to accelerate their path into high-demand technology careers have a new opportunity this summer at Chemeketa Community College. Eligible students enrolled in Computer Information Systems (CIS) courses may qualify to receive a portion of their summer tuition covered, making it easier to stay on track or get ahead.

The Summer 2026 CIS program is designed for both new and current students declared as CIS majors who enroll in select summer courses. With online class options, students can build valuable technical skills while maintaining work and family commitments.

“Technology careers continue to offer strong earning potential and flexibility, including remote and hybrid opportunities,” said Dr. Marie Hulett, Associate Vice President, Institutional Advancement at Chemeketa Community College. “This summer support helps remove financial barriers so more students can take advantage of these pathways and move forward with confidence.”

Classes begin Monday, June 22, 2026. To be considered for tuition support, students must first submit an interest form by Friday, May 22, 2026. Qualified applicants will then be invited to complete a full application, due Monday, June 1, 2026.

Chemeketa’s CIS program prepares students for a range of careers in the tech industry, including roles in networking, cybersecurity, software development, and IT support. The summer term offers an ideal opportunity to gain momentum toward a degree or certificate while exploring fast-growing fields.

Students interested in learning more or applying are encouraged to act early due to limited availability.

For more information, visit go.chemeketa.edu/cissummersupport or contact the Computer Information Systems program.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

Local Garage Rock Meets Orchestra In One-of-a-Kind Chemeketa Performance - 04/14/26

Hypnatwists Collaborate with Salem Orchestra Members for an Unforgettable Night of Sound and Creativity

Salem, Ore., April 14, 2026  — Chemeketa Community College invites the community to experience an electrifying evening of music on April 22 at 7:00 p.m. as Hypnatwists take the stage at the Chemeketa Auditorium, Building 6 (4000 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem, OR, Purple Parking Area).

This unique concert brings together Salem’s own garage rock trio, The Hypnatwists, with members of the Salem Orchestra for a performance that blends the raw energy of a three-piece rock band with the rich, live sound of orchestral strings. The result is a bold and dynamic musical experience that highlights the creativity and collaboration within Salem’s local arts community.

The evening opens with a 35-minute set of original music from The Hypnatwists, featuring Ruby on vocals and guitar, Tony on bass, and Zack on drums. Formed after a chance meeting at a Hives concert in Portland, the band delivers a gritty, DIY garage rock sound shaped by driving rhythms, surf-inspired riffs, expressive bass lines, and emotionally charged vocals. Audiences will also get an exclusive preview of five brand-new, unreleased songs.

Following a brief intermission, the performance expands into something truly special. Members of the Salem Orchestra will join The Hypnatwists for a second 35-minute set, adding layered string arrangements that elevate and transform the band’s sound. This collaboration builds on past performances together, including a standout appearance on the main stage at Salem’s Riverfront Amphitheatre during Make Music Day 2025.

Attendees are encouraged to come early and enjoy an evening that celebrates local talent, artistic exploration, and the power of collaboration.

Tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hypnatwists-tickets-1984823929804?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Please note: This event may be recorded.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

Chemeketa Students Named To 2026 All-Oregon Academic Team - 04/09/26

Three scholars recognized statewide for academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community college success

Salem, Ore., April 7, 2026 — Three outstanding students from Chemeketa Community College have been selected for the 2026 All-Oregon Academic Team (AOAT), a prestigious recognition honoring community college students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community service.

The Chemeketa honorees are:

• Jay Freilinger, 37, GPA 3.77 – Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer and Associate of General Studies; transferring to Oregon State University
   

• Blayne Turner, 21, GPA 3.9 – Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer; transferring to Oregon State University
   

• Loren House, 34, GPA 3.86 – Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer; transferring to Western Oregon University
   

Each year, the All-Oregon Academic Team recognizes top scholars from Oregon’s 17 community colleges. Students selected for the team are nominated by their colleges and evaluated on academic performance, leadership, and their contributions to their campus and community.

“We are incredibly proud of Jay, Blayne, and Loren for earning this recognition,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “Their achievements reflect countless hours of dedication, perseverance, and belief in their goals. Watching students reach this level of accomplishment is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, and it’s exciting to see them preparing to take their next steps at Oregon’s universities.”

In addition to being named to the team, Jay Freilinger has been selected as one of the student speakers at the All-Oregon Academic Team Luncheon on April 17, an additional honor recognizing his leadership and accomplishments..

The All-Oregon Academic Team program is coordinated by the Oregon Community College Association and is part of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s Academic All-State Team program, which celebrates high-achieving community college students across the nation.

Chemeketa Community College offers a wide range of academic pathways designed to help students transfer to four-year universities, begin meaningful careers, and continue lifelong learning.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

Chemeketa Community College Celebrates Community College Month, Highlighting Impact Across The Mid-Willamette Valley - 04/06/26

April recognition underscores how Chemeketa expands opportunity, fuels career pathways, and supports student success

Salem, Ore., April 6, 2026— Chemeketa Community College is proud to celebrate Community College Month this April, joining institutions across Oregon and the nation in recognizing the powerful role community colleges play in expanding access to education, strengthening communities, and preparing a skilled workforce.

Community College Month shines a spotlight on the real impact colleges like Chemeketa have every day. From career and technical education to university transfer pathways and workforce training, Chemeketa helps students build meaningful futures while meeting the needs of local employers.

“Community colleges are where opportunity starts, and at Chemeketa, we see that in action every single day,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “We see students who are changing the trajectory of their lives, starting college for the first time, returning to finish what they began, or gaining new skills to move into a better career.”

Serving thousands of students across the Mid-Willamette Valley, Chemeketa provides flexible, affordable pathways that meet learners where they are. Many students are the first in their families to attend college, are balancing work and family responsibilities, or are returning to education to pursue new opportunities.

Chemeketa’s programs are closely aligned with regional workforce needs, offering hands-on training in high-demand fields such as healthcare, trades, emergency services, business, and technology. Through partnerships with local industries and organizations, the college ensures students graduate with the skills and experience needed to step directly into family-wage careers.

Community colleges continue to be recognized as one of the best values in higher education, providing accessible options without sacrificing quality. In Oregon, community colleges serve more than 200,000 students annually, contributing to a stronger, more resilient economy and more vibrant communities.

“Chemeketa Community College – Building Careers, Strengthening Communities reflects exactly what we do,” Howard added. “When our students succeed, our entire region benefits.”

Throughout April, Chemeketa will highlight student stories, program offerings, and community partnerships that demonstrate the college’s impact across the region. Community members are encouraged to follow along and learn more about the opportunities available at Chemeketa.

For more information, visit www.chemeketa.edu