The Cascade Locks Center, a regional extension of Columbia Gorge Community College, focuses on accessible education for residents in this remote area, offering select programs in basic skills, vocational training, and community enrichment. As a smaller site, it prioritizes foundational and short-term courses to support local workforce needs and personal development.
While not as comprehensive as the main campuses, it provides essential classes in high school completion, career readiness, and introductory technical skills, often in partnership with nearby industries like recreation and manufacturing.
The center emphasizes flexible, evening, and online-hybrid formats to accommodate working adults and families. Instructors provide one-on-one support in a welcoming environment, fostering community connections. Though smaller in scale, it serves dozens of learners each year, bridging educational gaps and promoting upward mobility. By focusing on practical, immediate skills, the Cascade Locks Center contributes to the resilience of the Columbia Gorge's rural communities, encouraging lifelong learning and economic participation in a supportive, localized setting.
The Hood River Campus specializes in programs tailored to the unique needs of the Hood River Valley, emphasizing outdoor recreation, tourism, agriculture, and health sciences. This location provides flexible scheduling for working professionals and features state-of-the-art facilities for hands-on learning in a scenic environment.
Core offerings include transfer-oriented associate degrees in arts and sciences, alongside career-technical education in fields like viticulture, hospitality, and medical professions. The campus is particularly noted for its integration of local industry partnerships, ensuring relevant, up-to-date curricula.
The campus also offers ESL classes, GED testing, and community education in wellness and arts. With a commitment to inclusivity, programs accommodate diverse learners through online hybrids and evening options. Faculty bring real-world expertise, often from local businesses, enhancing the learning experience. Annually serving hundreds of students, the Hood River Campus plays a vital role in workforce development, promoting economic growth in tourism and agriculture while providing pathways to higher education and personal enrichment. This holistic approach ensures graduates are equipped to thrive in the dynamic Columbia Gorge economy.
The Dalles Campus of Columbia Gorge Community College offers a wide array of programs designed to meet the educational needs of the local community, focusing on transfer degrees, vocational training, and workforce development. This campus serves as the primary hub for many foundational courses in liberal arts, sciences, and technical fields, preparing students for further education or direct entry into the job market.
Key offerings include Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees that facilitate transfer to four-year universities, covering subjects like English, mathematics, biology, and history. For those seeking immediate career skills, the campus provides Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees and certificates in high-demand areas such as nursing, welding, and automotive technology.
Additionally, the campus supports continuing education through non-credit workshops in areas like computer literacy, ESL, and GED preparation. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, students receive personalized instruction. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, incorporating internships and community partnerships to enhance employability. Overall, the programs at The Dalles Campus empower over 1,000 students annually to achieve their academic and professional goals, contributing to the economic vitality of the Columbia Gorge region. This diverse selection ensures accessibility for traditional students, working adults, and high school dual-enrollment participants, fostering lifelong learning and career advancement.
