The State of Oregon administers federal funding to support Career Technical Education (CTE) at public institutions statewide. These programs help Oregonians gain the skills, technical knowledge, academic foundation, and real-world experience needed to prepare for high-skill, high-demand, high-wage careers.
Postsecondary CTE includes a broad range of technical and academic instruction options, which are offered at Oregon's community colleges. Community college and education partners can find information here on the statewide funding and strategic direction of CTE education in Oregon.
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD) works in partnership 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).
HECC/CCWD is specifically responsible for the postsecondary CTE investments, and leads this work across the community colleges. This work includes the following.
- Strategic leadership, planning, and technical resources
- Review and approval of new CTE academic programs
- Administration of funding
Oregon CTE State Plan
Perkins V requires that Oregon has a State Plan for Career and Technical Education to set a strategic direction for the use of the federal funds.
Learn about the Oregon CTE State Plan.
Background
– Postsecondary CTE in Oregon
CTE credentials at Oregon community colleges include both associate degrees and certificates of completion. Postsecondary CTE programs include academic credentials and career-oriented courses for students to gain work experience, work-based-learning, and industry certification.
Career Clusters
CTE is organized by a national framework called Career Clusters, which presents a complete range of related career options to students of all ages, helps them discover their interests and passions, and helps them choose the education pathway that can lead to success in high school, college, and their chosen career. These clusters are found within the six career learning areas of the Oregon Skill Sets.
Education Partner Resources
Reporting
To fulfill federal grant requirements, the state maintains statewide and local plans to submit annual performance reports to the U.S. Department of Education for accountability.