Chemeketa Community College Awarded Prestigious NSF Grant To Empower Future STEM Leaders - 01/14/26

$2 million federal investment expands scholarships, mentoring, and transfer pathways for community college STEM students

Salem, Ore., January 13, 2026— Chemeketa Community College announced today that it has been awarded a significant grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support its Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) project, Supportive Community College STEM Students’ Development, Persistence, Transfer, and Success.

This six-year, $1,999,946 grant is designed to substantially increase the number of low-income students who earn STEM degrees at Chemeketa and successfully transfer to four-year institutions to complete bachelor’s degrees in high-demand STEM fields.

The project addresses the unique academic, financial, and structural challenges often faced by community college students pursuing STEM careers. Through a combination of direct financial assistance and intentional academic and mentoring support, the initiative will strengthen Chemeketa’s role as a key pipeline for the region’s future STEM workforce.

Direct Benefits for Students and Academic Success

The project will award 18–20 new scholarships each year, supporting an estimated 98 unique low-income students over the life of the grant. Scholarships will be available to students planning to transfer in critical STEM disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, Data Science, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science.

Scholarship funding will be paired with a comprehensive support structure focused on persistence, transfer, and completion, including:

• Financial and academic support: Scholarships that reduce financial barriers and allow students to focus on coursework.
   

• Targeted academic courses: A STEM-specific First-Year Experience course and transfer-focused classes aligned with Oregon’s transfer pathways.
   

• Holistic mentoring: Cohort-based learning, peer mentoring, and sustained faculty mentorship.
   

• Career and transfer advising: Specialized counseling, STEM industry guest speakers, and direct connections to university transfer partners.
   

“There is a wealth of potential within the students in our communities. This opportunity will provide access and support for students to pursue their passions in STEM fields while spending their time at Chemeketa as part of a supportive community of like-minded peers and mentors,” said Keith Schloeman and Shannon Othus Gault, co-leads of Chemeketa’s NSF S-STEM project.

“Students will receive not only the financial support needed to participate in higher education, but also wraparound academic support and opportunities that foster their development as STEM students and emerging STEM professionals. We are excited to support students through this program and look forward to seeing their accomplishments.”

“This NSF grant is an investment in the future workforce of our region,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “By removing barriers and providing comprehensive, wraparound support, we are ensuring that talented low-income students have a clear and achievable path to high-demand, high-wage STEM careers. This project is not only about student success, it’s about building a stronger, more skilled community.”

The NSF award reinforces Chemeketa Community College’s commitment to equity, access, and workforce preparation, while advancing opportunities for students to thrive in the rapidly evolving STEM economy.

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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 17,500 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 And Genuine Foods Celebrate Grand Reopening Of Going Up Café - 12/19/25

Refreshed campus café expands access, efficiency, and scratch-made dining for students and employees

SALEM, OREGON — January 6, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College, in partnership with Genuine Foods, a national leader in scratch-made, purpose-driven dining, will celebrate the grand reopening and ribbon-cutting of the Going Up Café in Building 2 on Tuesday, January 6, at 10:00 a.m.

The refreshed café represents the next phase of a culinary partnership launched in 2023. Through facility modernization, Chemeketa and Genuine Foods are prioritizing campus food access by improving functionality, faster service, and enhancing the overall dining experience for students and employees.

The updated Going Up Café now features:

• A new walk-up coffee window for quick service between classes
   

• Online ordering for efficient, mobile-friendly pickup
   

• An expanded, rotating menu with fresh, scratch-made offerings
   

• Enhanced kitchen infrastructure serving as the primary culinary hub for the Salem campus
   

“This transformation reflects our commitment to creating spaces that support student success and foster a sense of community,” said Elizabeth Facanha, event manager at Chemeketa. “We are excited to offer a refreshed café experience that better aligns with campus needs.”

Genuine Foods worked closely with college leadership to optimize the café layout and elevate the food experience while maintaining the convenience of the existing location and accessible pricing.

“We believe that good food unlocks potential,” said Paula Reichel, chief innovation officer for Genuine Foods. “This makeover gives students and staff more of what they’ve asked for—from hot meals to grab-and-go coffee to friendlier service. We’re proud of what we’ve built together.”

Grand Opening Event Details

• What: Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Going Up Café
   

• When: Tuesday, January 6, at 10:00 a.m.
   

• Where: Building 2, Chemeketa Community College
   

• Address: 4000 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem, OR 97305
   

The event will include remarks from campus leadership and opportunities to sample café menu favorites.

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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 largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 17,000 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).
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About Genuine Foods

Genuine Foods is a national purpose-driven food service company, turning everyday meals into memorable experiences through delicious, scratch-made dishes rooted in culinary excellence, health and wellness, and hospitality that goes beyond the plate. The company serves public and private K–12 schools, colleges and universities, and healthcare facilities across the country using fresh ingredients, a people-first approach, and a deep commitment to integrity and community impact. For more information, visit genuinefoods.com.

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

Chemeketa Presents The Music Of A Charlie Brown Christmas (Photo) - 12/18/25

A beloved holiday tradition returns with the Nathan Olsen Trio and Abiqua Academy Choir

Salem, Ore., December 18, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College invites the community to celebrate the holiday season with The Music of A Charlie Brown Christmas on Saturday, December 20, at 7:00 p.m. The concert will take place in the Chemeketa Auditorium (Building 6), located at 4000 Lancaster Dr. NE in Salem, with parking available in the Purple Parking Area. 

Now in its third year at Chemeketa, this annual holiday favorite features the Nathan Olsen Trio—Nathan Olsen on keyboards, Andrew Kallenberger on bass, and Mark Powers on drums and percussion—and is joined this year by the Abiqua Academy Choir for a very special Christmas performance. The concert honors the spirit of Vince Guaraldi’s iconic 1965 soundtrack, blending faithful renditions with creative re-imaginings, rich sonic textures, extended musical explorations, and a few surprises along the way.

“This concert has become a cherished holiday tradition at Chemeketa,” said Auditorium Coordinator Stephen Munshaw. “We are proud to welcome back the Nathan Olsen Trio and to share this joyful collaboration with the Abiqua Academy Choir as we celebrate music, community, and the season together.”

Join Chemeketa for an unforgettable evening of jazz, holiday spirit, and timeless music that continues to delight audiences of all ages. Tickets are available through Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-music-of-a-charlie-brown-christmas-tickets-1770260690379?aff=oddtdtcreator

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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 largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 17,000 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 is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.