ABOUT CAREER CONNECT OREGON

Career Connected Learning creates pathways for all youth to prepare for their best possible futures. This approach to learning brings together community partners, industry leaders, parents and educators to engage youth of all backgrounds and provide learning opportunities that connect with their interests, life experience and aspirations for their futures.

We envision a world where students in Oregon have access to the best education and resources, where their creativity and passion are nurtured, and where they have the tools and support they need to succeed. We see students who are confident and capable, who are ready to take on the challenges of the world and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. We hope the CCL Resource Hub serves as a model of innovation for other states looking for ways to better serve their students' diverse needs in an ever-changing economic landscape

FAQs

What is Career Connected Learning?

Oregon Department of Education defines Career Connected Learning (CCL) as a framework of career awareness, exploration, preparation and training. Career learning develops over the course of one’s lifetime. To support this process, CCL ensures purposeful instruction and engages diverse communities in building collaborative, community-driven learning. CCL connects the interests, aptitudes, education and goals of every Oregon youth to their future.

How did the work start?

Before starting design, the CCL implementation team sought feedback from dozens of partners across Oregon. They asked questions around the form and function of future CCL design work. Then, they worked to create a strong brand identity and style guide, one that encapsulates the mission and values of CCL.

Meanwhile, CCL design teams in Career and Technical Education, STEM, and other areas, worked to identify, develop and organize high-quality resources that could be used in classrooms throughout the State of Oregon.

Finally, a team of designers, educators and web developers worked to bring the Online CCL Resource Hub, otherwise known as Career Connect Oregon, to fruition. The team built on the mission of its founding contributors to create a dynamic, inclusive, useful and sustainable hub for all to use, free of charge.

What is Career Connect Oregon’s commitment to equity and inclusion?

At Career Connect Oregon (CCO), we are committed to offering rich CCL experiences for all learners regardless of age, language of origin, geography, socioeconomic status, race, gender, sexuality or ability. CCO’s vision is to actively identify and remove any barriers that may prevent students from having access to formative experiences through the use of our online resource hub.

We encourage programs participating in CCL enrichment activities to invite all students to participate, regardless of grades and attendance issues.

Meet the Team

Thanks to our Contributors

Design Team 4 (Spring 2023)
Shawna Bland, Karla Clark, Heidi Lee Harless, Hal Jones, Nanosh Lucas, Adam Randall. Review and make recommendations for revised CCL Framework Scope and Sequence.
Career Connected Learning System Navigators (Fall 2022)
Annie Claus, Wendi Worthington, Katie Castillo, Tom Brown, Carey Rausch, Dylan McManus, Beth Stiller, Dr. Debra Park, Deron Fort, Katie Dirkswager, Matt Batchelor, Priscilla Lundberg, Julie Toledo, Christina Shepherd, Carey Rausch, Millie Padilla, Chelsea Hansen. CCL Navigators placed at all 17 community colleges in Oregon to help fill the gap of awareness and exploration in CCL, especially for our middle school students.
Design Team 3 (Summer 2022)
Lacy Liberty, Teresa Dowdy, Jim Taylor, Beth Wigham. Materials, tools and resource development.
Strategy Guidance Group 2 (Spring 2022)
Steve Patty, Jim Taylor, Beth Wigham, Karla Clark, Bethany Thramer, Mary Jackson, Cherie Clark, Regine Childs, Angie Gilbert, Myronda Schiding, Nick Schult, Jerry Peacock, Marco Vasquez, Heidi Lee Harless, Jordan Bentz, Kim Cappel, Beth Unverzagt. Continued strategy work outlining how to best roll out Oregon’s collaborative work of CCL.
Design Team 2 (Spring 2022)
Jim Taylor, Beth Wigham, Karla Clark, Steve Patty, Erin Upton, Kim Cappel, Christina Struyk-Bonn, Alison Howell, Liberty Lacy, Brandon Southward, Megan Babat, Cherie Clark, Meredith Payton, Alesia Valdez, Frosti Adams, Regine Childs, Raquel Laiz, Tammy Ahalt, Heidi Lee Harless, Jordan Bentz, Catherine Barber, Aleita Herrera-Train, Angie Gilbert, Michail Stead, Janine Weir, Lisa Klingsporn, Gwen Soderberg-Chase, Miranda Ryan, Stacy Carle, Michelle Prudden, Bethany Thramer, Shalee Hodgson, Kate Saldana. Developed plans, materials and tools to be considered for the CCL Resource Hub.
Strategy Guidance Group 1 (Winter 2021)
Jim Taylor, Beth Wigham, Karla Clark, Megan Helzerman, Beth Molenkamp, Mary Dakin, Regine Childs, Brook Rich, Jerry Peacock, Mary Jackson, Brian Robin, Steve Patty, Erin Upton. Strategized how to best roll out a statewide initiative for CCL in Oregon.
Design Team 1 (Fall 2021)
Jim Taylor, Beth Wigham, Karla Clark, Steve Patty, Erin Upton, Meredith Payton, Jori Journigan, Anita Stark, Regine Childs, Dave Dallas, Brandon Southward, Amy Henry, Angie Gilbert, Raquel Laiz, Alesia Valdez, Ben DeCarlow, Tammy Ahalt, Gwen Soderberg-Chase, Heidi Lee Harless, Liberty Lacy, Cherie Clark, Juli Ann Lindemann, Alesia Valdez. Provided insight and feedback regarding initial research provided by DIA and made recommendations to the state for next steps to include recommendation of a statewide CCL Resource Hub and CCL Navigators who would help fill the gaps of CCL in every region.
Dialogues in Action (Spring 2021)
Steve Patty, Erin Upton. Provided initial research of CCL in Oregon and nationwide.

Brand Creation

See the Career Connect Oregon creative team hard at work!

Navigator Stories

Tom's Story

Tom, a Systems Navigator, shares his insights on the importance of hands-on learning and building strong networks with industry professionals. At the heart of his work is build connections between students and employers, creating a win-win relationship that benefits both parties. Tom emphasizes the need for more Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs starting in grade school to help students explore potential careers and make informed decisions.

Beth's Story

Beth, a Systems Navigator at Klamath Community College, highlights the college's growth and the importance of Career Connected Learning (CCL). Despite its rural location, the college has expanded with new buildings and degrees, attracting more students and offering programs that lead to livable wages. Beth emphasizes combining book learning with hands-on experiences through CCL and Career and Technical Education (CTE), opening new career pathways for students.

Deron's Story

Deron, a Systems Navigator at Linn-Benton Community College, shares his passion for guiding students through Career Connected Learning (CCL). Speaking at Seven Oak Middle School Career Day, Deron highlights the importance of exposing students to careers. He enjoys building partnerships with local industries and educational programs, emphasizing the potential of CCL to provide equitable opportunities for students from pre-K to beyond high school. Deron's work focuses on creating pathways for students to explore and prepare for their futures, ensuring they are ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Aaron's Story

Join Aaron, a Career Connected Learning (CCL) Navigator at Umpqua Community College, as he guides students on a field trip focused on animal science careers. This immersive experience connects students with local professionals, giving them hands-on access to careers they may not have considered. Aaron shares his passion for helping students find what excites them, emphasizing the value of work-based learning. Through CCL, students discover potential career paths without the burden of unnecessary college debt, gaining skills that prepare them for tech school or the job market. Aaron's dedication to changing lives inspires students to believe in their potential and pursue their goals.

Hanna's Story

Hanna, the Career Connected Learning (CCL) Project Coordinator in Lane County, shares her insights on the transformative impact of CCL. By linking classroom learning with real-world experiences, CCL empowers students to take ownership of their futures and build connections within their communities. Projects like the Electric Vehicle Challenge engage students by demonstrating the relevance of education beyond the classroom. Hanna highlights how CCL fosters curiosity and motivation, bridging gaps between students, teachers, and industry.

Partners

Career Connected Learning is a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission. Site design, implementation and content development by Southern Oregon Education Service District, in partnership with Inflexion and the Journalistic Learning Initiative.

Helping Oregon Students Create a Vision for their Future.

Career Connected Learning

Career Connected Learning is a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Higher Education Coordination Commission. Site design, implementation and content development by Southern Oregon Education Service District, in partnership with Inflexion and the Journalistic Learning Initiative.