Columbia Gorge Community College Campuses

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.

• GED and High School Completion: Intensive preparation for the General Educational Development test, including math, reading, writing, and science review, with test proctoring services.
• English as a Second Language (ESL): Multi-level courses in conversational English, grammar, and workplace communication to aid immigrants and non-native speakers.
• Basic Computer Skills: Introduction to Microsoft Office, internet navigation, and digital literacy for everyday and professional use.
• Workforce Training: Short-term certificates in customer service, retail management, and basic manufacturing skills tailored to local employers.
• Health and Safety Certifications: Training for CPR, first aid, food handler's permit, and OSHA safety standards.
• Community Education: Non-credit workshops in parenting, financial literacy, and hobby classes like gardening and crafts.
• Introductory Business: Basics of bookkeeping, small business startup, and entrepreneurship fundamentals.
• Environmental and Outdoor Education: Entry-level courses in natural resource management and recreation leadership, leveraging the site's proximity to outdoor attractions.
• Transfer Preparation: Select general education courses like introductory psychology, biology, and composition to begin associate degree pathways.

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.

• Viticulture and Enology: In-depth study of grape cultivation, wine production, sensory analysis, and vineyard management, capitalizing on the region's renowned wine industry.
• Hospitality and Tourism Management: Courses in event planning, customer service, lodging operations, and sustainable tourism practices.
• Nursing and Allied Health: Advanced training in registered nursing, practical nursing, and healthcare support roles, including simulation labs for clinical skills.
• Outdoor Leadership: Programs focusing on adventure education, wilderness first aid, environmental science, and leadership development for outdoor guiding careers.
• Business and Entrepreneurship: Emphasis on small business management, marketing for local enterprises, and financial planning in a rural context.
• Computer Science and Technology: Instruction in web development, data analytics, and digital media, with applications to agriculture and tourism sectors.
• Early Childhood and Family Studies: Preparation for roles in preschool education, family support services, and community outreach.
• General Studies: Foundational courses in communications, psychology, sociology, and natural sciences to support transfer pathways.
• Agricultural Business: Combining agribusiness principles with practical farming techniques, including organic production and food safety.

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.

• Nursing Program: Comprehensive training in patient care, anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical practice, leading to licensure as a registered nurse or certified nursing assistant.
• Welding Technology: Hands-on courses in MIG, TIG, and stick welding, blueprint reading, and fabrication, preparing students for roles in manufacturing and construction.
• Business Administration: Courses in accounting, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with options for office specialist certificates.
• Computer Information Systems: Training in programming, networking, cybersecurity, and software applications, aligning with IT industry needs.
• Early Childhood Education: Focus on child development, curriculum planning, and classroom management for aspiring educators.
• General Education: Broad spectrum including humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences to build critical thinking and communication skills.
• Health and Human Services: Programs in medical assisting, phlebotomy, and emergency medical technician (EMT) certification.
• Agricultural Sciences: Specialized courses in crop production, soil science, and sustainable farming practices relevant to the region's agricultural economy.

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.