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, statewide service programs, youth workforce programs, 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 strategies for student success, including efforts to promote college credit in high school and more. We work with the HECC Workforce Strategies and Investments teams 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).
Oregon Youth Works
The CCWD oversees several programs that provide paid work experiences to young Oregonians who experience increased barriers to entering the workforce. These programs, under the umbrella of Oregon Youth Works, provide workforce training, career exposure, academic support, and skills to help them find work.
Learn more about Oregon Youth Works and its programs.
OregonServes and AmeriCorps
The CCWD houses OregonServes and Oregon’s AmeriCorps State Grant Program. These programs promote volunteerism, national service, and civic engagement in Oregon by awarding grants and providing technical support and leadership. AmeriCorps grants are awarded to local organizations across the state, supporting needs in Oregon communities and supporting the students who gain work experience and funding awards to pay for their future education. Communities benefit from disaster assistance, public land restoration, and many other services.
Learn more about OregonServes and AmeriCorps.
Contact the Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD)
The CCWD office is led by Donna Lewelling, director.
Our office receives direction on our work from the Commission, through statutory responsibilities, and through legislation. To learn more about statutory responsibilities, see the HECC Statutes and Administrative Rules. Our public processes are conducted at public meetings of the HECC. Learn how to stay engaged with us, or subscribe to public meeting notices here.