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Recent news and articles from Central Oregon Community College.
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U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer will serve as commencement speaker at Central Oregon Community College's (COCC) graduation ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, at the Bend campus's Mazama Field. A reception follows the ceremony; tickets are not required for guests.

A range of science disciplines, from biology to physics to chemistry, propel students into inspiring careers

Funding will support new Madras building's health care training wing for nursing, certified nursing assistant and medical assistant programs

Federally funded program is designed to help migrant and seasonal farm workers and family members earn their general education development (GED) certificate

Oregon Public Broadcasting covers club's part in COCC's broader commitment to creating inclusive spaces

COCC is first community college invited to join national college-in-prison consortium, program featured in OPB report

Dr. Laurie Chesley has announced plans to step down from her role and retire next June; a candidate search will commence this fall

Board approves sale of gifted Miller lumberyard to Jefferson County, authorizes contract with Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company

More than 200 rural youth will receive free or partially paid access to 20 of COCC's hands-on summer Youth Camps

A nearly $112,000 grant from the Oregon Clean Fuels Program and Pacific Power brings new electric vehicle-charging stations to Central Oregon

Community Education's summer programming sparks discovery with immersive experiences — register now!

Offered free for regional high school Latinx, Native American and Afrocentric students and their allies, these June programs provide college exposure

Students will be honored at an Oregon Community College Association event in Salem on April 19

The COCC Foundation's milestone event will also honor the Miller family of Bend for their longtime support

Working with NeighborImpact, COCC has designed a free business training program that's bringing vital child care to Oregon

The public health study, centered on a community college dataset, is featured in American Journal of Health Studies

"Growing Together" fundraising campaign receives major support for college's long-planned Madras campus expansion

Award recognizes the College's vital partnership role in construction workforce development

Watch a recording of the event which shared the College's priorities, goals and actions

Read in The Bulletin how COCC and NeighborImpact are collaborating to confront food insecurity issues for students

Central Oregon Daily shares the story of how COCC Automotive Technology students fixed up, gifted an SUV to the Council on Aging food program

Held mid-January through early April, commemoration will feature an engaging lineup, including notable activists, New York Times-bestselling authors

Noelle Bell Copley named a 2023 Sustainability Award honoree by the Environmental Center

Madras campus expansion moves closer to its fundraising goal thanks to an incredible gift from the JTMF Foundation

Ken Piarulli, Redmond choir director, profiled in the Oct. 11 edition of the Source

Monthly “Community Building Community” series will offer sessions that combine skill-building, strategizing and a social space

Patrick Kennelly, Ph.D., receives honor from The British Cartographic Society

COCC is currently set to begin the new academic year with an 11.1% increase from 2022 in credit-seeking headcount

Kathryn Brown, who leads COCC's child care business accelerator program, honored by America's Small Business Development Center Network

College offers one-year certificate in community health; first of its kind in Oregon, program featured in KTVZ's Sept. 5 broadcast

A new study demonstrates the transformative value and benefits that COCC generates for the regional economy

COCC and Jefferson County are a major step closer to realizing a long-planned expansion project for the Madras campus

The COCC board of directors at its July meeting elected Joe Krenowicz of Madras to serve as chairperson for the 2023-24 year

The COCC Foundation is awarding $1.9 million in scholarships for the coming 2023-24 academic year - marking an all-time high for the college's scholarship fund

COCC's Small Business Development Center is now accepting applications for its popular Small Business Management Program.

Ken Mays receives honor from National Science Foundation's High Impact Technology Exchange Conference

COCC's unique research-based study abroad program is featured in the July 20 issue of The Bulletin

Featured in a published collection of equity-centered college processes, co-authors are part of award from Council of Writing Program Administrators

COCC offers a raft of resources and programs for students in need, supported by some key community partnerships

Chandler Lecture Series program will use funding to develop and host humanities-focused presentations for students and the community

The Oregon Veterinary Technician and Assistant Association awards Beth Palmer its Veterinary Technician of the Year Award

To see the Wickiup Residence Hall up close, sign up for a Bend campus tour, or tour the Redmond, Madras or Prineville campuses by scheduling a visit

Michael LaLonde, former CEO at Deschutes Brewery, assumes role of vice president of finance and operations

Funding will support College's leading part in a national effort to ramp up electric vehicle technician training

Community Education’s summer programming sparks discovery for kids — and adults! — with immersive, inspiring experiences

Students will be honored April 21 at the Oregon Community College Association’s Academic Team event in Salem

Funding to expand Student Veterans Resource Center and veteran-specific academic, mental health and other outreach services

For Latinx, Native American and Black high schoolers, COCC’s summer programs provide academic closeups with a focus on heritage

Article in the March 19 edition of The Oregonian explores the unique success of state education grant at COCC

Former Sunriver Police chief brings a 35-year career in law enforcement, with a focus on training, crisis intervention and emergency preparedness

Tabled since 2020 due to the pandemic, the COCC Foundation’s cornerstone fundraiser returns April 8

COCC commemorates a quarter century of providing higher education, enrichment in Redmond with events on March 9 and May 19

Spring term (begins April 3) is the ideal time to begin earning must-have prerequisites for cohort programs

The Jan. 31 broadcast of "Think Out Loud" features the inaugural COCC Black Excellence Showcase for Black History Month

The gift will help grow an endowed fund to benefit many COCC scholarship recipients to come

Application deadline is March 15 for COCC's "My Summer in China," open to Central Oregon students grades 7 to 12

Newly signed "Presidents’ Climate Commitment" focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality

A segment by Central Oregon Daily shows how the COCC Physiology Lab can help community members focus on their fitness

Mediterranean cuisine, Spanish language and comedic improv are just a few of the plentiful, affordable Community Education offerings

Position is for Zone 2, which includes all of Crook County and a portion of northeast Deschutes County

Ron Boldenow, Ph.D., will represent all of Oregon on the board of directors for the Society of American Foresters

College Now gives high school students a jump on their future with low-cost, career-sampling college credits

President Laurie Chesley shares gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve our nation

Dr. James Middleton, COCC’s 4th president, to be honored for service and legacy

Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute 279C.335(5), this Public Notice is for the purpose of taking comments

New COCC Public Health program gets coverage from Oregon Public Broadcasting's "Think Out Loud"

An education in COCC’s Forest Resources Technology program includes open-air learning, an on-site arboretum and career inroads

Funding from National Science Foundation will provide 45 scholarships of $10,000 each, develop new career-connected training

New 15,000-square-foot facility, to open in the fall of 2024, will house a range of new education opportunities to meet workforce needs

The COCC board of directors elected member Bruce Abernethy of Bend to serve as chair for the 2022-23 year

A story in The Oregonian covers the successes and future plans of COCC's Early Childhood Education Business Accelerator

COCC is now authorized to offer the state of Oregon’s certified Peer Support Specialist training

Jim Wilcox honored by Oregon's Small Business Development Center network

Former English professor and instructional dean at COCC, Dr. Annemarie Hamlin selected for role of vice president of academic affairs

The Redmond choir, a unique experience in COCC's community education learning lineup, will be back on stage this September

Designation from the Xerces Society recognizes efforts toward improving landscapes for pollinators

A collaboration with Think Wild allows veterinary technician students to perform clinicals while learning about wildlife rehabilitation

The graphic design and illustration training programs provide a launchpad for artistic careers

Center will offer diverse skill-building courses, entrepreneurial assistance, customized trainings and many other specialized business services

Special four-credit offer provides in-district, class of ‘22 graduates a chance to try a college class completely free

Three COCC Bobcats make the 2021-22 All-Oregon Academic Team

COCC currently ranks fifth most affordable among Oregon’s 17 community colleges, with ranking anticipated to remain the same

COCC's college prep programs featured on the American Association of Community Colleges' website

Vacancies represent three different zones, with opportunities for Crook, Jefferson and Deschutes County residents

Governor's Future Ready Oregon initiative supports workers and future workers, connecting them with well-paying careers in health care and other fields

"Accelerator" business training, a collaboration of the Small Business Center and NeighborImpact, receives significant state support

Thor Erickson receives residency at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for the Arts and Agriculture

Education endowment and $383K grant award from Deschutes County, Central Oregon Health Council support new public health initiative

Newer academic options in fields like GIS, social work and fire services are helping students plot their path to a bachelor's degree

COCC Foundation scholarships now offered in two annual application cycles; next deadline is April 29

Story from The Bulletin on the Early Child Education Business Accelerator program

New veterans coordinator position, supported by a grant from the Oregon Dept. of Veterans' Affairs, featured in Jan. 23 edition of The Bulletin

To help solve child care crisis, COCC trains next generation of early educators

Creative format gives students, supporters a unique way to experience and celebrate ceremony

An academic collaboration between COCC and Oregon State University-Cascades optimizes the path for those on the bachelor’s degree track

Community book conversations will discuss "Braiding Sweetgrass" in advance of livestreamed author event on Jan. 24

Dr. Alicia Moore, vice president of student affairs, receives excellence award from the Oregon Community College Association

COCC's office of diversity and inclusion receives major grant award for equity-centered programs

Geologist discusses climate change and volcanic science with Central Oregon Daily News, Trail Scholar hiking blog

This new and gently used clothing resource is available to students for help with garment needs for school, work, field placements and interviews

Rural COCC students receive technology, support to help them continue their education during the pandemic

COCC's Native American college-prep program highlighted in Madras Pioneer

Small Business Development Center, NeighborImpact to offer free training and support for child care businesses

Grant will alleviate child care costs for low-income students, help launch Little Kits Early Learning & Child Care Center

The Roundhouse Foundation awards $30K grant to support career, technical non-tuition costs

The Nancy R. Chandler Lecture Series will look at the fresh vs. frozen debate, climate change in Central Oregon and the border crisis

Board of directors makes Indigenous Peoples' Day an official day of recognition and celebration

A $9,000 grant from the University of Washington Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, Middle East Center, was awarded to COCC and associate professor of history Jessica Hammerman, Ph.D.

COCC's addiction studies program combines clinical experience and close-knit training for a rewarding, in-demand career.

Dr. Chesley will help identify future workforce needs, communicate a long-term vision for Oregon

With funds from the Oregon Community Foundation, summer program helps high schoolers earn college credit

Enrolled COCC students eligible to receive federal aid based on need

Central Oregon Daily highlights the local need for nurses, health care workers

Student newspaper wins best website and other honors from Pacific Northwest Association of Journalism Educators

COCC’s one-year program offers the only accredited training east of the Cascades in Oregon.

Public Health program now offers community health worker training that leads to state certification

Central Oregon Health Council supports COCC's high school college prep equity outreach

Latinx program's ¡AVANZA! students help bring art and awareness to an overlooked underpass in Bend

Buildings and offices in Bend, Redmond, Madras and Prineville will be open and staffed

Fighting wildfire is a narrative shared by many students and staffers at COCC.

With classes beginning June 21, COCC's summer term is a chance to fulfill required credits for fall cohorts, programs

Prerecorded speaker for the June 12 ceremony is Dr. Dalton Miller-Jones, social justice advocate

COCC's Chinese language program and AAPI Heritage Month events are featured in the Source

Residence hall at COCC will reopen this fall as the college readies for incremental return to in-person learning.

The COCC Foundation's major annual fundraiser, held online, brings in $385K for scholarship fund

Veterans benefit program covers noncredit classes at COCC's Small Business Development Center

COCC's Adult Basic Skills program meets students at all levels of ability, offering classes that enhance lives and open opportunities.

Addressing recent acts of hate in the U.S. against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

Exercise science student runs for 48 hours to raise money for Oregon forest fire victims

American Culinary Federation awards exemplary accreditation to Cascade Culinary Institute

Composer Chris Thomas of the music department scores major Hollywood attention

College leader receives dissertation prize from Oregon State University

English course placement program receives award from National Council of Teachers of English

COCC is part of a college consortium to receive grant of $5 million from U.S. Dept. of Labor

A report from the Source shows how Elevation is bringing a new menu — and new mode of learning — to the takeout scene

Stacey Donohue, Ph.D., recognized with Modern Language Association's distinguished service award

Following the Jan. 6 violence and disruption to democracy in Washington, D.C., Dr. Laurie Chesley shared this message

COCC's Small Business Development Center is a steady resource in a time of uncertainty.

Foundation support to students for 2020-21 academic year hits a record-setting $1.72 million

Associate professor of physics helps steer Central Oregon Avalanche Center into new terrain

Report reveals COCC’s extensive role in regional and Oregon economy

A look at how three recent grads have launched meaningful careers in Central Oregon

Support from Sisters-based foundation will aid students, boost Madras campus connectivity

Former COCC student Erica Skatvold chosen as new chair of College's board of directors

Certified Nursing Assistant training partnership will grow health care workforce in Central Oregon

Article shares how more than 100 COCC students, staff are on the front lines of Oregon's blazes

Safety measures and procedures are at the core of the College's in-person learning options

Commission commends COCC's organizational culture, use of technology and high level of engagement

COCC signs agreement with Federal Aviation Administration to provide students with most up-to-date curriculum, practices

"Clothing Connection" program receives major gift of merchandise from Banana Republic of Bend

COCC students featured on the American Association of Community Colleges website

Debut book from Kelsey Freeman, of the Diversity and Inclusion office, examines migrant experiences

COCC awarded $210k grant to further existing programs, increase efforts

View a recently held forum titled, "Racism, Criminal Justice and Becoming an Ally"

College teams up with local nonprofit to serve students in need

With a strong heritage in eLearning, COCC moves to fully embrace the teaching needs of the COVID-19 era

Program trains students for diverse, developing field of Health Information Management

The Payroll Protection Program is now in round two; SBDC advisers are standing by to assist

Program expansion, to begin this fall, will help stem national RN shortage

Four students represent COCC on the All-Oregon Academic Team

Prepping students for careers in the fast-growing pharmacy tech field; an online program

Public input phase of COCC's accreditation update is now open

Built on land leased from COCC, neighborhood expected to provide a reliable income stream for the college

Latinx Program Coordinator nominated for Bend Chamber Community Hero Award

Addiction Studies combines clinical skills, personal development practices to best prepare tomorrow’s counselors

Fusing critical thinking, communication and industry insights, engineering program helps students plot their path

Powered by a grant from two local nonprofits, COCC is expanding the reach – and impact – of its career-shaping health care programs

The "Shirley Ray," named for its donor, will serve as a mobile training tool for culinary careers

Local companies turn to Small Business Development Center to find formula for success

COCC's role in training tomorrow's pilots highlighted in national news broadcast

For art and design students, transfer means up to 60k in scholarship dollars

Former student gifts $1 million for college scholarship funding

In the Forest Resources Technology program, students discover a full scope of skills and practices

COCC's national nursing accreditation review process opens for public comment

Newly standardized "First Year Experience" aims to advance student success, increase retention

Students of COCC's Early Childhood Education program discover a diverse and close-knit environment

Veterinary Technician program launches next cohort in September 2020; potential candidates are encouraged to begin prerequisites now

Nine high school seniors receive surprise scholarship support during Ganas symposium

Geology program mixes tangible science, critical thinking and some awe-inspiring roadside studies

Following tragedy, a family finds kindness in a Continuing Education woodworking project

Dr. Laurie Chesley is the sixth president in Central Oregon Community College's 70-year history.

Stacey Donohue to serve as a facilitator for Modern Language Association teaching institute

Rising student retention numbers seem entwined with Oregon Promise, built-in “first year” practices

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will deliver June 15 graduation address

With worldly flavors and industry experience, the Cascade Culinary Institute builds futures in food

Automotive program preps tomorrow’s technicians, devises service standards for electric-drive industry

Application for Nursing program opens on April 1; read about the program in this feature article

Annual Foundation dinner events raise $337k for student scholarships

COCC welcomes Dr. Laurie Chesley as new president, the sixth in its history

Geography studies explore cultures, climates and connections

Dr. Laurie Chesley is chosen as top choice for COCC president

Festive fundraiser at COCC opens doors of opportunity

Psychology program offers an immersive learning environment to take students to the next level

COCC board appoints Dr. Jim Clinton, a former mayor of Bend, to represent Zone 5

Combining science and ancient traditions, massage training creates careers with impact

Exercise Science program at COCC coaches students on the world of wellness

College Commemorates World War II Medal of Honor Recipient

COCC hosts Central Oregon Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship Fair

COCC Foundation raises record amount for scholarships

Training students for diverse, developing field of Health Information Technology