November 19, 2021 3:20 a.m.

Umpqua Community College will expand its Workforce Development Program thanks to a $200,000 grant.

A release said the school received a Workforce Business Readiness Grant from the Oregon Department of Education, Youth Development Division. It will provide services and strategies to help adolescents and young adults, ages 14 to 24, develop knowledge, skills and abilities required to engage and succeed in trade professions.

The funds will primarily support the efforts of Bright Futures Umpqua, an initiative of Douglas County Partners for Student Success, which provides career-connecting learning for youth in the county. Specifically, the grant will support the following:

*Hire a Career Connected Learning Facilitator to support a new UCC pre-apprenticeship option for high school youth and young adults in Douglas County and Expanding Horizons career exploration camps and events with a focus on rural communities

*Provide one Talent Advisor to local schools through a partnership with the Southern Oregon Workforce Board to develop workforce readiness by utilizing Recruit Hippo to connect high school students to job shadow and intern opportunities

*Cover costs for supplies and fees to support students pursuing pre-apprenticeship and consumables for Expanding Horizons career exploration camps and events

UCC Dean of Community Education and Partnerships Robin VanWinkle said the college is pleased to partner in expanding career awareness and workplace skills. VanWinkle said, “These programs will give youth in our area a look at the trades and aid in the application process for local apprenticeships”.