May 9, 2024 9:30 a.m.  

The Umpqua Community College and Roseburg Public School boards of education met Wednesday to discuss joint efforts to guide students into high-wage, in-demand careers located in Douglas County.

A release said the joint meeting marked the first time the two boards have teamed up on collective efforts to serve students, industry, and the community. The meeting focused on the growing partnership between the college and the school district, which are working together to streamline and increase the number of programs that lead students from Roseburg High School to UCC to local industry careers. Initial efforts are focused on health care and advanced manufacturing programs, with both fields facing a shortage of skilled labor as they expand locally.

UCC and the district have a history of offering dual credits for students and currently offer a collaborative nursing assistant pathway. With an emphasis this school year on guiding students from preschool to career, the college and school district hired a P-20 coordinator to work with industry leaders to grow and align course offerings at RHS and UCC.

The release said thanks to this partnership, UCC and the district are introducing three new pathway programs – phlebotomy, emergency medical technician and fire science. RHS students will have a choice next school year of over 67 college level courses offered with 250 possible credits. Pathways in development include allied health and advanced manufacturing/mechatronics. With opportunities for dual credit, the goal is to give students the chance to graduate with certifications or degrees with little to no debt into meaningful, local careers.