SWOCC Honors Top CTE Partners for 2025

Southwestern Oregon Community College is recognizing South Coast Lumber Co. & Affiliates along with South Coast Head Start as recipients of their 2025 Career Technical Education (CTE) Industry Partner of the Year Award.

"The unwavering backing from Southwestern’s CTE partners has played a crucial role in our students’ achievements," the institution stated.

South Coast Lumber Co. & Affiliates has played a crucial role in establishing Southwestern’s SWOCC Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. This program equips students with foundational construction abilities, OSHA safety certification, and proficiency in operating heavy machinery. It aims to ready individuals for careers in various trade sectors at both the Coos and Curry locations. As a company owned by four generations of one family, South Coast Lumber Co. & Affiliates boasts seven decades of fostering growth within the Brookings area and along the southern Oregon coastline.

"South Coast Lumber has shown commitment to our students' success through practical actions as well as broader initiatives. By being open to collaboration, they have assisted in pinpointing and eliminating obstacles faced by students. Additionally, their expertise has been instrumental in shaping program growth. We value the dedication, attention, motivation, and backing provided by Southwestern Oregon Community College’s students," stated Raushanna Dapena, who leads the Apprenticeship Program.

South Coast Head Start boasts a lengthy history of collaboration with Southwestern University, engaging closely with Early Childhood education staff to offer practical training opportunities where students can enhance their abilities and gain knowledge.

South Coast Head Start aids in the development of children from birth up until they reach age five with programs focused on fostering early education and growth, ensuring good health, and enhancing overall family welfare. The organization places significant emphasis on parental involvement, understanding that active parent engagement at every stage of the program significantly contributes to better developmental outcomes for kids. Their mission involves consistently providing top-notch support within secure and wholesome environments designed to equip children not only for academic success but also for navigating life challenges.

"Head Start has played an essential role in establishing the state’s first Early Childhood apprenticeship program in Oregon. Through this initiative, students pursue their Associate of Applied Science degree in Preschool Development while employed with Head Start. The success of this apprenticeship model has garnered significant recognition across the state, and we will celebrate our first set of graduates this coming spring," stated Taya Noland, who leads CARE Connections Child Care Resource & Referral as its director.

"Head Start has played a crucial role in offering pre-kindergarten field placement opportunities and mentorship for aspiring teachers across three programs: the Associate of Science degree in Childhood Education and Family Studies, the Associate of Applied Science degree in Preschool Child Development, and the Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer program in Elementary Education. This significant collaboration assists Southwestern in preparing seasoned educators who can meet the requirements of families statewide," stated Brenda Jackson, the Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator.

For additional information regarding Southwestern’s career technical training initiatives, please visit www.socc.edu , or dial (541) 888-7405 to schedule an appointment with an advisor.