Chemeketa Community Bond Measure To Appear On May Ballot (Photo) -03/13/25

Proposal will retain Current Tax Rate from Expiring 2008 Bond while Expanding Career and Technical Education Programs, Campus Safety, and Infrastructure Improvements

Salem, Ore., March 12, 2025 — On May 20, 2025, voters in Marion, Polk, Yamhill, and Linn counties will have the opportunity to consider a bond measure that would provide funding to expand and enhance Chemeketa Community College’s career and technical education (CTE) programs, upgrade campus safety, and improve critical infrastructure.

If approved, this measure would replace the expiring 2008 bond previously approved by voters.  If passed, the new bond rate will retain the 2008 bond rate of $0.27 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

The proposed measure would fund:

• Expansion of career and technical education programs – 65% of bond funds will upgrade classrooms, labs, and hands-on learning spaces to support high-demand career fields.

• A new Trades Center – A facility providing specialized training and certification for the region’s growing skilled workforce in construction and building trades.

• Facility improvements – Including essential repairs to parking lots, HVAC systems, roofs, and aging interiors to extend the life of Chemeketa’s buildings.

• Enhanced campus safety – Funding for improved outdoor lighting, additional security cameras, and safer parking areas.

"Chemeketa Community College has long been a vital part of our region’s workforce development," said Jessica Howard, Chemeketa’s President. "If passed, this bond measure ensures that we continue to offer high-quality education and training for in-demand careers while maintaining safe and modern facilities."

For more information about the bond measure, visit go.chemeketa.edu/bond.

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For more than 50 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 multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 8,000 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 Receives Grant To Expand Career Pathway Exploration For High School Students -03/06/25

Hands-on Workshops Help Students Connect Education to Career Success

Salem, Ore., March 5, 2025 —

 Chemeketa Community College is proud to announce the receipt of a grant from the State of Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s Office of Access and Completion’s (“OSAC”) ASPIRE program that will help high school students from Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties explore exciting career pathways and connect their academic journeys to real-world opportunities. The funding will support Discover Chemeketa’s Pathways, a dynamic series of hands-on events designed to inspire and inform students in grades 10-12 about the diverse educational and career opportunities available at Chemeketa.

“Through this grant, we’re able to provide interactive learning experiences that allow students to explore potential career paths firsthand,” said James McNicholas, Chemeketa’s Director of Student Success Services. “Many students, especially those from first-generation and low-income backgrounds, may not have a clear understanding of how college can lead to a fulfilling career. These events will help bridge that gap.”

At each Discover Chemeketa’s Pathways event, students will participate in three engaging workshops led by faculty experts in fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM); Health Professions and Wellness; Arts, Humanities, Communication, and Education; Agriculture, Industrial Technology, and Skilled Trades; and Emergency Services and Public Safety. These hands-on activities will give students a taste of college-level learning while helping them envision their future careers.

Additionally, free lunch or refreshments will be provided, and eligible schools may receive up to $200 in bus transportation cost reimbursements, ensuring accessibility for all students. Participation requires a school-based chaperone, and due to high demand, registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

“These events give students the opportunity to see themselves in different careers and understand how education at Chemeketa can help them get there,” said Chemeketa President and CEO, Dr. Jessica Howard. “We are thrilled to offer these experiences and continue strengthening our connections with local schools and communities.”

To register for an upcoming Discover Chemeketa’s Pathways event, visit go.chemeketa.edu/pathwaysregistration

Chemeketa Community College Announces New Bachelor Of Science In Nursing (BSN) Program (Photo) -03/06/25

Advancing Opportunities for Associate Degree Nurses to Earn Their BSN

Salem, Ore., March 5, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College is proud to announce that the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) has approved  the launch of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program—an initiative designed to expand educational pathways for nursing students and strengthen Oregon’s healthcare workforce. This program, developed in collaboration with six Oregon community colleges in a statewide consortium, represents a significant milestone in providing accessible, high-quality nursing education.

Chemeketa’s BSN program will allow registered nursing (RN) students to seamlessly continue their education and earn a four-year degree without needing to transfer to a university. By offering a local, affordable option for earning a BSN, Chemeketa is helping to address the growing demand for highly trained nurses in Oregon.

The launch of this program is a direct response to the pressing need for more bachelor’s-prepared nurses in our state. “By providing a flexible and affordable BSN pathway at the community college level, Chemeketa is opening doors for students while supporting the critical needs of Oregon’s healthcare system,” said Sandi Kellogg, Dean of Health Sciences at Chemeketa.

Chemeketa’s commitment to expanding nursing education dates back to the leadership of former President Julie Huckestein, who laid the groundwork for this initiative during her tenure. Her vision and dedication helped set the stage for this achievement, ensuring that Chemeketa remains at the forefront of innovative and accessible healthcare education.

The BSN program will follow a hybrid model, combining online coursework with in-person clinical experiences in the form of an end-of-program capstone project. Students will benefit from Chemeketa’s strong partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare providers, gaining hands-on training in real-world settings.

“This approval is a revolutionary development for nursing students in our region,” said Dr. Jessica Howard, President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “We are proud to work alongside our fellow community colleges to make a four-year nursing degree more attainable and to help meet the workforce demands of our local healthcare providers.”

The first cohort of students is expected to begin classes in Fall of 2026, with applications opening soon. For more information about Chemeketa’s BSN program, contact: The Health Sciences Department at Chemeketa Community College, 503.399.5058.

Chemeketa Cellars Invites Artists To Compete In 2024 Artist Series Competition (Photo) -02/28/25

Showcase Your Talent and Have Your Artwork Featured on the 2024 Pinot Noir Label

Salem, Ore., Month Day, Year -- Chemeketa Cellars is thrilled to announce the call for entries for the Chemeketa Cellars Artist Series Competition, inviting students, staff, faculty, and alumni of Chemeketa Community College to showcase their artistic talent. The winning artwork will be featured on the 2024 Pinot Noir label, celebrating the rich intersection of art and Oregon wine.

Theme: Oregon Wine
Artists are encouraged to create original works that capture the essence of Oregon's renowned wine culture. Submissions may be in any medium but must adhere to the following guidelines:

• No images of alcohol consumption or nudity

• No words or lettering, except for the artist's signature

• Must be approximately 3.5 inches wide x 2.875 inches high

Prizes and Recognition:
The selected winner will receive:

• Feature placement on the 2024 Pinot Noir label

• Exhibition in the Chemeketa Cellars tasting room for one year

• Promotion on the Chemeketa Cellars website and social media

• A framed label of their winning artwork

• Exclusive winery benefits, including wine club discounts and discounted event tickets for one year (must be 21+ to receive this benefit)

Submission Details:

• Call for Entries Opens: March 3, 2025

• Submission Deadline: April 15, 2025

• Winner Announced: June 7, 2025, at the Chemeketa Wine Studies Annual Barrel Tasting Event

• How to Submit: Email a jpeg or pdf of the artwork to winestudies@chemeketa.edu for review.

Judging Process:
A panel of Chemeketa Wine Studies faculty, staff, and students will select the winning piece based on creativity, adherence to the theme, and suitability for a wine label.

Rights and Permissions:
The winning artist must grant Chemeketa Cellars the rights to reproduce their artwork on the 2024 Pinot Noir wine labels, which will be sold in the tasting room.

This competition provides a unique platform for Chemeketa's creative community to gain recognition and connect their talents with the art of winemaking. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the Chemeketa Cellars Artist Series!

For more information, contact winestudies@chemeketa.edu.