The Career Pathways initiative is transforming Oregon's community college education model to focus on helping Oregonians attain certificates or degrees that lead to high-demand occupations and higher wages.

Career Pathways grants from the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development provide an opportunity for Southwestern to participate in this important initiative for the success of students and employers in Oregon.

Outcomes

These grants provide a framework for achieving the outcomes designated in the OWIB Strategic Plan - Winning in the Global Market:

1. Increase the number of Oregonians accessing postsecondary education;
2. Increase the number of Oregonians who persist in attaining degrees and other credentials;
3. Decrease the need for remediation at the postsecondary level;
4. Increase entry into employment and further education; and
5. Increase wage gain over time for student completers. 

Types of Pathways

Southwestern is implementing pathways approaches in four transition arenas across the education continuum:

1. Secondary to postsecondary;
2. Pre-college (ABE/GED/ESL/DE) "bridges" to credit postsecondary;
3. Postsecondary education for skills upgrading and career changers; and
4. Community college postsecondary to university system.
    

Summaries