Oregon community colleges see fourth year of continued enrollment growth
Oregon’s community colleges are experiencing strong enrollment growth this fall. Fourth‑week data released Nov. 20 by the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) shows continued increases in both overall headcount and Full‑Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment at most colleges across the state, underscoring growing demand and momentum across Oregon’s community college system.
OCCA urges continued support for funding
November 19 – The State of Oregon today released its quarterly revenue forecast for the 2025–27 biennium, showing a marked improvement in the state’s fiscal outlook. The Office of Economic Analysis now projects a $63.1 million shortfall, a significant reduction from the previously forecasted $373 million deficit in August. Economists propose this turnaround is driven by stronger corporate tax receipts and improved national economic expectations, despite ongoing concerns about slower growth and federal policy impacts.
Ken Hector receives National Trustee Leadership Award from ACCT
The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) proudly congratulates Ken Hector, longtime Chemeketa Community College Board of Education member, on receiving the 2025 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Trustee Leadership Award, the highest national honor given to a community college trustee.
OCCA Communications Director named NCMPR District 7 Communicator of the Year
The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) proudly announces that Communications Director Casey White-Zollman has been named the 2025 Communicator of the Year by District 7 of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR), which includes the Pacific Northwest and western Canada. This award honors exceptional leadership and impact in college communications. As the District 7 recipient, White-Zollman is now a finalist for NCMPR’s national award, to be announced in March at the annual conference in Washington, D.C.
OCCA announces 2025 Howard Cherry Banquet honorees
September 17, 2025 – The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Howard Cherry Awards, which are Oregon’s highest recognition for individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and service have made a lasting impact on community colleges and the students they serve. In addition, OCCA has announced the recipient of the Chuck Clemans Award, which is bestowed upon a community college board member who has shown exemplary dedication statewide.
OCCA responds to latest revenue forecast
Following this morning’s state revenue forecast projecting a $373 million shortfall in Oregon’s general fund due to federal tax changes, the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) encourages lawmakers to stay the course on investing in Oregon’s 17 community colleges.
Oregon’s Community Colleges Receive $854.4M in State Funding — A Step Forward, But Challenges Remain
The Legislature has approved $854.4 million for Oregon’s Community College Support Fund (CCSF) in SB 5525 for the 2025–27 biennium — a 6.9% increase from the previous cycle but well below the $920 million needed to sustain programs, services, and rising student enrollment.
OCCA acknowledges legislative investment in community colleges, cautions budget falls short of student & workforce needs
The Community College Support Fund (CCSF) cleared a major hurdle today (June 2, 2025) with the passage of SB 5525 in the Joint Subcommittee on Education. SB 5525 is the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s (HECC’s) agency budget bill, which includes the CCSF to support community colleges. The Joint Subcommittee on Education approved a budget allocation of $854.4 million for the CCSF in SB 5525 for the 2025–27 biennium. This is a 6.9% increase over the amount legislatively approved to the CCSF for the 2023-25 biennium. However, while this amount reflects the Governor’s Recommended Budget (GRB), it falls well short of the $920 million community colleges identified as essential to cover the rising costs of educating students and maintaining essential programs and services for the next biennium.
OCCA responds to May revenue forecast
The latest Oregon revenue forecast from the Office of Economic Analysis underscores the urgent need for increased investment in community colleges. While the forecast provides insight into the state’s economic outlook, it also highlights financial constraints that could impact essential educational programs. The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) urges lawmakers to prioritize funding for community colleges to ensure students have access to affordable, high-quality education that meets workforce demands.
State economists presented their quarterly economic and revenue forecast to legislators this morning (May 14), showing state revenues down $165.2 million from the previous forecast, with available resources down by $755.7 million. While slower growth in the state’s economy triggers heightened recession risk, state economists are less pessimistic about the chance of a recession with recent changes to tariffs at the national level. Economists predict the recession risk decreased from 40% just a few weeks ago to 25% today.
OCCA announces 2025 All-Oregon Academic Team
April 11, 2025 – The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) is proud to announce the selection of 55 exceptional students from across the state to the 2025 All-Oregon Academic Team (AOAT). These scholars were chosen for their outstanding academic performance, leadership, and dedication to community service. Many are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for community college students.