January 21, 2025 3:30 a.m.

Industry leaders, community partners, legislators, educators and students recently gathered at Roseburg High School to learn about the school’s Career and Technical Education programs and growing pathway opportunities.

A Roseburg Public Schools release said the January 8th event was hosted in conjunction with the Oregon Association for Career and Technical Education to showcase the school’s programs to Oregon lawmakers.

Representatives Court Boice and Virgle Osborne attended the presentation, toured the programs and heard from students, staff and representatives from local industries including forestry, healthcare and manufacturing.

The release said the event highlighted the evolution in career education at RHS, from historically targeted foundational, skill-focused opportunities. Students are increasingly able to navigate full professional certification pathways leading directly to entry-level careers, or able to complete significant levels of casework required for their chosen degree in direct partnership with Umpqua Community College. These opportunities are available to RHS students with no out-of-pocket expenses.

Superintendent Jared Cordon said, “We have incredibly talented students in our schools, and we need to ensure they have reasons to stay and work in our community and help it thrive after they’ve graduated from high school”.

Industry leaders who attended the showcase event included Russ Wooley, CEO of CHI Mercy Health Roseburg, Tim Vredenburg, Director of Forest Management for the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, and Brandon Ikola, owner/president of Versatile Trailers.

UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt said the partnership to illuminate career pathways creates efficiencies that save public dollars and will serve as a model for other communities.

Find out more about the event by going to: https://www.roseburg.k12.or.us/