Career Pathways
A Career Pathway is a series of connected education and training programs and student support services enabling individuals to secure a job or advance in a demand industry or occupation.
Career Pathways is also an evidence-based model that improves student outcomes and closes equity gaps through high-quality training programs and support services that help students succeed.
Learn more about Career and Technical Education Programs on HECC's CTE webpage.
Background on Career Pathways
The HECC Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development coordinates Oregon’s Career Pathways website and the network of information from Oregon’s community colleges.
Launched in 2004 through the National Governors Association’s Pathways to Advancement Initiative, Oregon’s Career Pathways Initiative began with five colleges. In 2006, the initiative expanded to 11 colleges and scaled to all 17 community colleges in Spring 2007.
The State Board of Education approved the creation of a new short-term certificate, the Career Pathway Certificates of Completion (CPCC), in July 2007. These certificates, combined with existing Less Than One Year (LTOY) certificates, ensure flexible educational and skill-building options for unemployed and underemployed workers, career changers, part-time students who need to work, and students who desire a short-term credential to jump-start their careers in an entry-level occupation.