Note: This page and section are currently undergoing edits (August 2026).
We’re pleased to introduce the statewide work of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) in workforce investments and in workforce and education strategy. We work to ensure that job-seekers have the skills, work-related training, and supports they need to secure good-paying jobs, and that employers have the workforce they need to thrive. The information here explains our responsibilities and how to reach us if you have questions.
The HECC convenes statewide partnerships and leads strategies and initiatives across the workforce system. Through grants, we invest funds in
local workforce development boards, community-based organizations, education providers, and other workforce partners to deliver programs in their communities. Oregonians interested in exploring education and workforce opportunities may visit
Access College and Training, including
Career and Training Resources.
Education and Workforce Strategy
The HECC leads education and workforce strategies to support the state's educational attainment and economic development goals. More information on recent initiatives will be available here in the future. Some areas of recent focus include the following.
Workforce Pell Grant Implementation in Oregon
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) has developed processes for implementation of the Workforce Pell Grant in Oregon. Workforce Pell—established through Congress’s passage of H.R. 1 in 2025—expands Pell Grant eligibility to support learners enrolled in short-term, career-focused training programs that meet defined standards and lead to industry-recognized credentials. At the page below, you can find information on program approval processes for Oregon higher education institutions that are seeking program eligibility, as well as information on the policy for implementation of Workforce Pell for Oregon.
Industry Consortia
The HECC, in partnership with the Workforce and Talent Development Board, has convened statewide Consortia in three of our state’s key industry sectors—healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Here you can find details on the Industry Consortia, including public meeting materials.
Workforce System, Programs, and Services
Workforce and Talent Development Board (WTDB)
HECC staff support the Oregon Workforce and Talent Development Board (WTDB), the advisory board to the Governor on workforce development. The WTDB’s vision is equitable prosperity for all Oregonians. Sign up for public meeting notices here.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I
The HECC is a key partner in Oregon’s public workforce development system: WorkSource Oregon. As a WorkSource Oregon partner, HECC oversees a number of state- and federally-funded workforce programs, the largest of those being the adult, youth, and dislocated workforce programs authorized by Title I of the federal
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
For an overview of HECC's role in administration of WIOA Title I, see below.Learn about Administration of WIOA Title I
WIOA partners and training providers can find more information on the Oregon WIOA Title I Implementation page below. This includes policy and guidance for our partners.
Find more Oregon WIOA Title I Implementation resources here.
Workforce Programs in the Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD)
The following programs are now housed in the HECC Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development.
Oregon Youth Works
The HECC 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.
OregonServes and AmeriCorps
The HECC 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.
Contact Us
Education and Workforce Strategies Directory
The unit is led by:
- Julia Pontoni, Chief of Strategy
WIOA Title I and WTDB Directory
The employees listed below are currently on job rotation with the Oregon Employment Department, and may be contacted at the information below. Partners may continue to find information on these programs on the HECC and WTDB websites.