Community Colleges and Workforce Development: Our Coordinating Role
The HECC’s Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD) works closely with colleges and workforce programs to support accessible, high-quality learning opportunities to serve the state’s present and future needs. CCWD provides coordination, leadership and resources to Oregon’s 17 locally-governed community colleges, 15 adult basic skills providers, community-based organizations, and the Department of Corrections. The governance of Oregon’s public community colleges is the responsibility of their respective local-elected governing boards.
Established in 1999, CCWD was formerly the Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, and as of 2015, became an integrated Office in the HECC agency. CCWD supports a multi-faceted portfolio of work, including:
The Office of Workforce Investments (OWI) and the Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD) work together as the administrative entities for several federally funded education and workforce programs, authorized by the U.S. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and a primary partner in the implementation of WIOA in Oregon. The CCWD also coordinates postsecondary career and technical education programs supported by the "Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act" (Perkins V). Read more about federally-funded programs here.
In addition, CCWD works closely with the Office of Workforce Investments and other HECC offices, postsecondary institutions, and partners to support progress toward Oregon’s educational and workforce goals. Collaborative efforts include: