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Columbia Gorge Community College

The Dalles, OR

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Quick Facts

1977
Founded
Public community college
Type
515
Total Students
$6K
Tuition (In-State)
$10K
Tuition (Out-State)
$11K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Kenneth Lawson

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Columbia Gorge Community College

From service district to innovation hub, CGCC empowers futures in the Columbia Gorge.

Nestled in the breathtaking Columbia Gorge, Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) stands as a beacon of educational opportunity, having evolved significantly since its founding in 1977. What began as the Wasco Area Education Service District quickly transformed into a dynamic public community college, dedicated to serving the diverse needs of Wasco and Hood River counties. CGCC is renowned for its commitment to workforce development, offering engaging programs designed to equip students with the skills demanded by today's industries, fostering both personal growth and economic vitality in the region.

CGCC has a proud history of innovation and expansion. A pivotal moment came in 2006-07 when it launched the West Coast's first community college wind technician training program, demonstrating its foresight in renewable energy. This pioneering spirit continues through its Electro-Mechanical Technology program and a robust Health Sciences curriculum. With facilities including a modern campus in Hood River and an updated campus in The Dalles, CGCC provides a comprehensive learning environment, further solidified by its independent accreditation in 2013.

The student experience at CGCC is continually enhanced, with major developments like the opening of a new skill center and student housing in 2021. These additions, alongside new programs in Construction Technology, Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication, and Aviation maintenance technician training (added in 2022), underscore the college's dedication to providing practical, hands-on learning. With plans for future programs like Agriculture Technology and Fire Science, Columbia Gorge Community College remains a forward-thinking institution, preparing students for success and contributing significantly to the community it serves.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1977, evolving from the Wasco Area Education Service District to a full community college.
  • ✦Pioneered the West Coast's first community college wind technician training program in 2006-07.
  • ✦Achieved independent accreditation in 2013, signifying its high academic standards.
  • ✦Expanded its footprint with a new campus in Hood River and a Health Sciences Building in The Dalles (completed 2008).
  • ✦Opened a new skill center and student housing in 2021, enhancing campus life and learning resources.
  • ✦Introduced cutting-edge programs including Construction Technology (2021) and Aviation maintenance technician training (2022).

Timeline

1977
Began as the Wasco Area Education Service District.
1989
Designated a community college and later named Columbia Gorge Community College.
1993
Acquired and remodeled its current campus facility in The Dalles.
2001
Voters approved the annexation of Hood River County; new nursing program launched.
2006
Started the first wind technician training of any West Coast community college.
2008
Completed construction of a new Hood River campus and Health Sciences Building in The Dalles.
2013
Became independently accredited.
2021
Opened new skill center and student housing; added programs like Construction Technology.
2022
Introduced Aviation maintenance technician training.
🏛️
49 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Kenneth Lawson
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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