OCCA congratulates Class of 2026
June 10 – The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) congratulates the thousands of students graduating from Oregon’s 17 community colleges this spring. Statewide, approximately 13,500 students will earn associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, certificates, and other credentials during the 2025-26 academic year.
OCCA responds to latest revenue forecast
May 20, 2026 – Oregon’s latest revenue forecast (released May 20) shows a $345 million increase, even as economists note that rising oil prices and a slowing economy could affect the outlook for 2026. The forecast highlights uncertainty tied to consumer spending, federal policy changes and inflation, underscoring the importance of a strong and responsive workforce system.
Community colleges to help fill teacher shortages with approval of new applied bachelor’s in education degree
Oregon’s community colleges are moving quickly to roll out a new pathway to Bachelor’s‑level education degrees, strengthening the state’s ability to grow its own educator workforce. Following the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s April 9 approval of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Education (BASE), five colleges are approved to offer this degree beginning Fall 2027.
OCCA announces 2026 All-Oregon Academic Team
Sixty-two of Oregon’s highest-achieving community college students have been selected to the 2026 All-Oregon Academic Team (AOAT), a prestigious recognition honoring academic excellence, leadership, and community impact across the state. Chosen from colleges statewide, these students represent the top tier of Oregon’s community college scholars. Many are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community college students.
OCCA celebrates National Community College Month in April
The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) is celebrating April as National Community College Month, recognizing the critical role Oregon’s 17 community colleges play in expanding opportunity and driving student success across the state.
Oregon’s community colleges & public universities thank legislature for protecting higher education funding
The Coalition of Oregon Public Universities (OPU) and the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) have expressed appreciation to Oregon legislators for maintaining funding for the Community College Support Fund, the Public University Support Fund, and state-based financial aid programs during the 2026 Legislative Session. As lawmakers worked to balance the state budget in a challenging fiscal environment, both organizations acknowledged the difficult choices legislators faced and thanked them for preserving investments that help students access affordable education and help employers build a skilled workforce.
OCCA responds to latest revenue forecast
February 4, 2026 – This morning’s quarterly revenue forecast shows a modest but meaningful improvement in Oregon’s overall fiscal outlook. While this forecast reflects a more stable near-term revenue picture, it does not eliminate the structural pressures facing public services.
Community Colleges Celebrate CTE Month as the Backbone of Oregon’s Workforce and Economy
Throughout February, Oregon’s community colleges will celebrate National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by highlighting the programs that power the state’s workforce and strengthen local economies. Community Colleges WORK for Oregon, and Career and Technical Education programs are at the heart of that impact.
As part of National CTE Month, the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA), in partnership with Oregon’s 17 community colleges, will host CTE Day at the Capitol on February 18.
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.