Introducing the HECC Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development

We’re pleased to introduce our statewide work as the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD). Here you can learn about our work and how to reach us if you have questions.

The CCWD leads programs and initiatives to support accessible, high-quality learning opportunities across Oregon’s 17 locally-governed community colleges and with other education and workforce partners. We aim to remove barriers, improve equity and student success, and foster streamlined academic pathways for current and future students and learners.

The CCWD works on policy and funding programs and initiatives to support student success and academic coordination, program approvals, policy development and implementation, legislative directives, administration of statewide public investments, and more. 

Programs and Initiatives

Many students in Oregon are served by community colleges, as well as by universities and other institutions and partners. We regularly collaborate with partners at the 17 community colleges, which are governed by locally-elected governing boards. We also collaborate with public university and workforce partners, adult basic education providers, community-based organizations, and numerous other state and national partners.

The CCWD office collaborates with the University Coordination team of the HECC Office of Academic Policy and Authorization to support streamlined transfer pathways and other strategies for student success. We work with the HECC Office of Workforce Investments (OWI) to administer federally funded education and workforce programs authorized by the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). We also work with the Oregon Department of Education to coordinate postsecondary career and technical education programs supported by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V).

Contact the Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD)

The CCWD office is led by Donna Lewelling, director.

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