Grant will fund innovative programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology to address workforce gaps and expand opportunities for underserved communities.

Salem, Ore., November 22, 2024 — Chemeketa Community College is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the Workforce Ready Grant, part of the Future Ready Oregon initiative administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC). This grant is poised to drive transformative changes in education and workforce development, prioritizing equitable access to careers in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and beyond.

Funded by the 2022 Oregon Legislature through Future Ready Oregon, this $200 million statewide investment is dedicated to creating innovative education and training opportunities that address barriers to participation and career advancement for historically underserved communities. The Workforce Ready Grant specifically targets industries critical to Oregon’s economy: healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.

Innovative Programs Supported by the Grant

Healthcare: Accelerating Pathways to Nursing Careers

Chemeketa’s innovative LPN-to-RN program will enable Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to advance to Registered Nurse (RN) status through a hybrid model that allows participants to work and earn income while completing clinical requirements. This program reduces barriers for working professionals, such as primary caregivers, and utilizes a paid clinical model inspired by successful apprenticeship programs in other fields.

“By offering a pathway for LPNs to advance their careers while continuing to work, this program empowers participants to overcome traditional barriers to professional growth,” said Sandie Kellogg, Dean of Health Sciences at Chemeketa. “This grant will help us significantly increase participants’ earning potential and provide Oregon’s healthcare industry with a skilled workforce.”

Manufacturing: Mobile Learning Lab

In collaboration with the Mid-Willamette Education Consortium (MWEC), Chemeketa will introduce a Mobile Learning Lab equipped with state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) simulators. These tools will provide hands-on training in manufacturing skills such as welding and equipment operation, offering industry certifications like OSHA 10 and pre-apprenticeship credentials. The project promotes cultural inclusivity through partnerships with local organizations and prioritizes equity in manufacturing education.

“MWEC is thrilled to receive the Future Ready Oregon grant to bring Mobile Learning Labs for Manufacturing to our region,” said Debbie Johnson, High School Partnerships at Chemeketa. “This support empowers us to provide hands-on, industry-aligned learning experiences directly to students and communities. With these labs, we’re not just expanding access to manufacturing education—we’re building pathways to high-demand careers and helping shape a skilled workforce ready for Oregon’s future.”

Technology: Expanding Cybersecurity and Information Systems Pathways

With support from this grant, Chemeketa will launch tuition-free Computer Information Systems (CIS) Certificate programs, including cybersecurity coursework and a new Tech Support Specialist Apprenticeship. These programs aim to recruit underrepresented students and provide wraparound support services, positioning participants for success in high-demand technology fields.

“The Future Ready Oregon Grant allows us to provide no-cost courses, hire additional faculty, and offer specialized support services,” said Dr. R. Taylor, Executive Director of Business Programming at Chemeketa. “These initiatives will remove financial barriers and create equitable access to education for students pursuing careers in high-demand industries.”

Latinx Workforce Development: Unidos Bridging Community Collaboration

In partnership with Unidos Bridging Community, Chemeketa will expand the Level Up program, providing Latinx youth with paid internships, employability skills training, and pathways to manufacturing careers. Participants will receive culturally tailored mentorship and wraparound support services, ensuring program completion and long-term career success.

Reducing Recidivism: Workforce Training for Incarcerated Individuals

In collaboration with the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) and SEDCOR, Chemeketa will offer manufacturing education and workforce training to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. This initiative will provide wraparound supports and industry-specific certifications, reducing recidivism and creating pathways to self-sufficiency.

About the Workforce Ready Grant

The Workforce Ready Grant represents a $95 million investment through three rounds of funding under Future Ready Oregon. This third and final round allocates $42 million to innovative programs that prioritize equitable workforce development in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.

Chemeketa Community College is honored to join the ranks of grant recipients working to strengthen Oregon’s workforce and economic competitiveness. This funding underscores the college’s commitment to providing transformative education and creating opportunities for all.

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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 30,000 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.