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CTE enthusiasts met in The Dalles at CGCC on March 19 to discuss outreach opportunities and integration at the third Regional Career Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee meeting.
CTE enthusiasts met in The Dalles at CGCC on March 19 to discuss outreach opportunities and integration at the third Regional Career Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee meeting.
THE DALLES — On March 19, nearly 60 educators, industry leaders, and community partners gathered at Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) for the third Regional Career Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee meeting. The event marked continued momentum in aligning education and industry to expand meaningful career-connected learning opportunities for students across the Columbia Gorge.
Hosted by the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub in partnership with Columbia Gorge Education Service District and High Desert ESD, the convening brought together approximately 30 industry and community partners alongside nearly 30 educators representing middle school STEM, high school CTE programs, and CGCC faculty.
The evening began with interactive tours of CGCC’s CTE facilities, offering participants a firsthand look at programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers. Attendees then gathered for a networking dinner and a series of discussions focused on strengthening regional workforce pathways.
A highlight of the evening was the opportunity for cross-sector dialogue, where participants shared insights on building and sustaining effective career-connected learning programs. Conversations centered on expanding work-based learning opportunities, strengthening communication between education and industry, and identifying solutions to workforce challenges across sectors.
“This meeting was a valuable opportunity to connect with peers across the Columbia Gorge, and strengthening a skilled local workforce is essential to the future of healthcare in our region - gatherings like this move us meaningfully in that direction,” said Seth Deister, Training & Development Program Manager at One Community Health. Participants also engaged in structured table discussions and action planning, identifying tangible next steps for launching or expanding career-connected learning and work-based learning projects in the upcoming school year. These conversations emphasized collaboration across districts and industries, leveraging existing resources, and addressing key barriers to implementation.
Taylor Alsheimer, CTE Automotive Teacher at The Dalles High School, shared “As a high school CTE educator, it is hard to find the time to collaborate with teachers at other schools and industry partners. The CTE Regional Advisory Committee facilitates that much needed collaboration and idea sharing. In my experience as an educator, this has been the most efficient and effective advisory committee I have participated in.”
This meeting builds on a growing regional effort, following previous convenings at The Dalles High School and Hood River Valley High School. Together, these gatherings are establishing a consistent, bi-annual platform for educators and industry professionals to align efforts, share expertise, and co-develop solutions that support students and regional workforce needs.
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