THE GORGE — The Columbia Gorge Education Service District (CGESD) has received a CTE Revitalization Grant of $265,959 in funding through June 2025. The grant will be managed by the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub and will support and expand access to current manufacturing technologies at two local partner school districts, South Wasco County School District and Hood River County School District.
This grant builds upon a previous grant received by CGESD for the 2021-2023 biennium, which initiated a CTE (Career and Technical Education) Program of Study being established at South Wasco County School District. The grant also expanded access to manufacturing courses at Hood River Valley High School while supporting middle school students’ exposure to CTE careers and pathways.
Students in the Arlington School District STEM program.
Alan Cunningham photos
This grant also uncovered a significant need for improvements to existing student lab spaces to allow the advanced manufacturing and engineering programs to be comparable to college, trade, and industry partners throughout the Gorge region.
This new grant will allow for the expansion of CTE technology labs and student workspaces at these school districts. This grant will emphasize involving students in the entire design and construction process (when applicable). From designing, planning, budgeting, and selecting equipment, students will be heavily involved, thereby gaining exposure to manufacturing and engineering careers while learning real-world entrepreneurial skills. Students will also have the opportunity to showcase their skills and projects and explore future funding opportunities with industry and community-based partners across the region in an Exhibition Showcase.
“The goal of this grant is for students to take a front-row seat in the expansion of their CTE lab spaces,” said Julie Cucuel, Columbia Gorge STEM Hub director. “We want this experience to mimic industry and provide our students with a real-world experience, preparing them for the workforce and life beyond their high school classrooms.”
This grant aims to expand access to STEM and CTE programming for historically and currently marginalized students in the Columbia Gorge region. CTE programs are found to increase student engagement and high school graduation rates. The Association for Career and Technical Education notes that Oregon’s key industries include metals and machinery, forest and wood products, food and beverages, and outdoor gear and apparel, and highlights that a gap exists between the number of trained workers and those required to fill these roles. CTE prepares students for high-wage, high-demand STEM careers by providing real-life, project-based learning opportunities for students before entering the workforce. As noted by the Association for Career and Technical Education, there is no better STEM laboratory than a CTE classroom.
“Career and Technical Education in our high school integrates STEM disciplines while emphasizing adaptability, problem-solving, technical skills, and crucial soft skills. This comprehensive approach ensures students are well prepared not just for personal success but also for thriving in diverse and ever evolving professional landscapes. I for one feel exceedingly honored to be in the role I am as an educator as a part of these students’ learning journey,” said Jorma Henson, a CTE and Science Educator at South Wasco County High School.
Patrick Getchis, STEM and robotics teacher at Wy’east Middle School, added, “The resources earmarked in this grant will afford us the opportunity to upgrade crucial tools.”
To learn more about CTE Programming at Hood River County School District, contact Ashley Fogle, CTE coordinator, at ashley.fogle@hoodriver.k12.or.us.
To learn more about CTE Programming at South Wasco County School District, contact Jorma Henson, CTE educator, at jormah@swasco.net. If you are a local industry leader or professional interested in supporting this project, contact: Julie Cucuel, STEM Hub director, at jcucuel@cgesd.k12.or.us.
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