Chemeketa Theatre Under The Stars Brings Mean Girls The Musical To Salem’s Riverfront Stage This July - 05/27/26

Outdoor Summer Production Features Broadway Energy, Live Orchestra, and the Acclaimed Creative Team Behind Chemeketa’s Beloved Musicals 

Salem, Ore., May Day, 2026— Chemeketa Community College in partnership with local theatre professionals, invites the community to enjoy a hilarious and high-energy outdoor production of Mean Girls the Musical at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater in Riverfront City Park, located at 200 Water Street NE in Salem.

Performances will run July 7–12, with various evening showtimes and a special matinee performance on July 11 at 11:00 a.m.

Based on the hit movie written by Tina Fey, Mean Girls the Musical transforms the iconic story into a vibrant Broadway experience packed with sharp humor, unforgettable songs, energetic choreography, and heartfelt moments. The production explores the challenges of high school life, friendship, identity, and the real impact of bullying while delivering plenty of laughs along the way.

The production comes from the acclaimed directing and choreography team behind past production favorites including Oliver!, Mary Poppins, Annie Get Your Gun, A Christmas Story, and James and the Giant Peach. Audiences can also expect the outstanding live musical performances Chemeketa Theatre has become known for, featuring a live orchestra made up of professional musicians from across the Willamette Valley.

“This production has all the elements audiences love — humor, incredible music, powerful performances, and a message that still resonates today,” said Dr. Marie Hulett, Associate Vice President, Chemeketa Community College. “We are proud to partner with talented local theatre professionals to create experiences that bring our community together and showcase the extraordinary creativity and artistry found throughout our region.”

Audience members are encouraged to bring low-profile lawn chairs, cozy blankets, and picnic favorites to enjoy an unforgettable outdoor theatre experience full of laughter, powerful moments, and a message that reminds us all: being kind never goes out of style. 

Tickets and performance details are available at:
Mean Girls All Dates

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.