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.
OCCA celebrates National Community College Month in April
The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) is proud to celebrate April as National Community College Month, highlighting the vital role that Oregon’s 17 community colleges play in providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality education to students across the state.
Community colleges to celebrate CTE Month in February
Throughout February, Oregon’s community colleges will spotlight career and technical education (CTE) programs in recognition of National CTE Month. Community colleges work for Oregon because these CTE programs are essential in equipping Oregonians with the skills needed to drive the state’s workforce and economy forward.
White House rescinds executive order freezing federal assistance funds
Jan. 29, 2025 – The White House Office of Management & Budget this morning in a memo officially rescinded the President’s executive order from Jan. 28 that froze access to most federal assistance funds, which caused chaos and confusion after its announcement. The original order disrupted access to federal grant funds for several colleges, including Head Start funding, despite many grants like Head Start, Pell and SNAP being identified as programs that would not having funding paused.
OCCA responds to Governor’s State of the State Address
In her 2025 State of the State Address, Gov. Tina Kotek called on Oregonians to “summon our unyielding spirit of resilience, tackle problems with purpose, and embrace opportunities for change together.” While higher education was not explicitly mentioned, Oregon’s community colleges are uniquely positioned to meet this challenge. Our colleges are resilient in the face of adversity, committed to supporting student success no matter what obstacles our students face, and actively collaborate with K-12 education, local governments, non-profits, and businesses to strengthen our communities.
OCCA sets legislative priorities for 2025 Session to support colleges and students
The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) Board of Directors has adopted its legislative priorities for the 2025 Legislative Session, setting the stage for a focused advocacy effort to secure funding and policies that will enhance access and success for community college students across the state. The Legislative Session begins January 21, 2025. OCCA’s 2025 legislative agenda centers on six critical areas.
OCCA responds to Governor’s Recommended Budget
Dec. 2, 2024 – Oregon Governor Tina Kotek on Dec. 2 released the Governor’s Recommended Budget (GRB) for the 2025-2027 biennium, which includes a 6.9 percent increase (a total of $870.4 million) to the Community College Support Fund (CCSF) compared to the legislatively approved funding for 2023-2025. While this is a $70 million increase over the current funding level, it is still about $50 million short of what colleges say they need to maintain current services.
OCCA responds to November statewide revenue forecast
State economists presented their quarterly economic and revenue forecast to legislators this morning, showing state revenues up $950 million from the previous forecast and also triggering Oregon’s unique kicker law. State economists predict Oregon will send roughly $1.8 billion back to Oregon taxpayers based on the state’s kicker law.
Oregon community colleges see enrollment surge
11/15/2024 – Oregon’s community colleges are celebrating a promising increase in enrollment as the fourth-week enrollment reports from the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) reveals significant growth in overall headcount and Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment at the majority of community colleges statewide.
OCCA announces 2024-25 Howard Cherry Award honorees
11/1/2024: SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) is pleased to announce the winners of the annual Howard Cherry Awards, which celebrate the contributions that local advocates, administrators and board members have made to the benefit of community colleges in Oregon.
Community College Advocate: Senator Michael Dembrow (D-Portland)
Community College Administrator: Dr. Lisa Skari (President, Mt. Hood Community College)
Community College Board Member: Chris Brown (Blue Mountain Community College)
