December 27, 2023 2:50 a.m.

Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced a $2.2 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Program for Chemeketa Community College.

Wyden said, “Students of all backgrounds deserve a fair shot at a solid education”. Wyden said, “This funding is the perfect example of how to expand opportunities for folks in rural Oregon and across the nation, and I applaud Chemeketa Community College for receiving this grant”.

Merkley said, “Higher education helps connect students with resources, opportunities, and tools to thrive, building stronger communities, economies and futures in Oregon”. Merkley said, “As the first in my family to graduate from college, I know how challenging it can be to assess higher education – especially for those coming from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. This incredibly important funding for Chemeketa Community College will help provide crucial support and opportunities, opening doors for Oregon’s rural students”.

The release said the federal grant will support the school’s Access and Regional Equity for Students project. The program expands career and technical education dual credit courses, develops hybrid CTE and combined school enrollment models, and provides teachers with effective technology and professional development opportunities.