COOS BAY, OR – Middle and high school students are invited to explore high-demand careers through hands-on learning experiences at the 2026 CTE Summer Academy. The event takes place June 15–17, 2026, on the Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) Coos Campus. The academy is free to attend, but space is limited and registration is required.
The CTE Summer Academy gives students the opportunity to explore career pathways through immersive learning experiences across the South Coast. From maritime science and sustainable agriculture to emergency medical skills, students will work directly with industry professionals, real equipment, and authentic work environments designed to build confidence, spark curiosity, and connect students with future education and career opportunities.
Students may participate in multiple sessions, depending on scheduling and program availability. Daily check-in and check-out will take place in Umpqua Hall, Room 184, on SWOCC’s Coos Campus, located at 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay. Lunch will be provided daily from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION:
Pre-registration is required, and space is limited! Register online today.
Register for CTE Summer Academy!
CTE SUMMER ACADEMY SESSION INFORMATION:
Additional information about each academy session is provided below.
Agroecology: “From Seed to Table” with Maria Farinacci, Assistant Professor of Agroecology
June 15 & June 17 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Middle & high school students | Attend one or both sessions
Ever wonder where your food actually comes from, or what it takes to grow it in a world facing climate change, population growth, and shrinking farmland? In this fast-paced, hands-on lab, students won’t just hear about the future of agriculture. They’ll dig into it.
This isn’t your average lecture. Students will spend real time working with soil, seeds, and living plants. They’ll learn why healthy soil is one of the most complex and underrated ecosystems on Earth. We’re talking billions of microorganisms in a single handful of soil, and they’re the reason any of us eat at all.
In this workshop, students will:
- Explore the science of plant biology, from germination and photosynthesis to nutrient cycles and soil chemistry.
- Experiment with sustainable growing techniques used by real-world farmers and food scientists, including composting, companion planting, and water-efficient irrigation.
- Discover how horticulture intersects with cutting-edge fields like environmental science, and urban planning.
- Taste and test produce grown right on campus…because the best science experiments are the ones you can eat!
Why does this matter? By 2050, the world will need to produce 50% more food to feed a growing population — all while using less land, less water, and fewer chemicals. The people solving that problem are studying exactly what students explore in this lab. Whether students are interested in biology, environmental science, engineering, business, or simply figuring out what they want to do, sustainable agriculture sits at the intersection of it all.
Paramedicine with Julie Ryan, Paramedicine Program Faculty Director
June 15–17 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Middle & high school students | 8‑students max | Designed as a three‑day series
The paramedicine track gives students a rare chance to learn real emergency medical skills in a fun, supportive environment. Each day will feature different hands‑on skills, building toward a friendly, skills‑based competition on the final day. Students will train inside the ambulance simulator, practicing procedures in a realistic moving ambulance environment that is consistently described as one of the most exciting parts of the program. This session is intended for students who can participate all three days, due to the progressive skill‑building structure.
Columbia Pacific Maritime **High School Only** Session
June 15–17 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
High school students | Full three‑day experience
The Columbia Pacific Maritime session offers high school students a three‑day, hands‑on introduction to the maritime industry, blending career exploration with real seamanship and marine science. Students will learn about local and global maritime careers, practice essential deck skills, and spend a field‑trip day at the Charleston Marine Life Center exploring tide pools and touring the University of Oregon’s research vessels. The final day immerses students in navigation, watchstanding, and vessel operations, giving them a realistic look at life on the bridge and the skills mariners use every day.
This session is designed as a cohesive three‑day experience, with students participating as a group throughout the full program.
For more information about this event, please contact Krystal Hopper Meyers, LIFT Project Administrator at swoccworks@socc.edu.
