Rogue Community College is taking on a larger role in Southern Oregon’s manufacturing economy through a new statewide initiative that will connect local businesses with advanced equipment, specialized technical instruction and workforce training across Jackson and Josephine counties.
RCC has been selected as the Southern Oregon delivery hub for the Pacific Northwest Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, an Oregon State University-led initiative supported by a $5 million federal grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Of the total award, $770,000 has been designated for Rogue Community College’s participation, placing a substantial portion of the project directly into Southern Oregon’s workforce and manufacturing network.
The 12-month initiative is part of the Small Business Administration’s Empower to Grow Program and is expected to reach approximately 100 companies and 400 participants statewide. Oregon State University will anchor the network from Corvallis, while RCC will serve as its Southern Oregon arm and Columbia Gorge Community College will provide similar services in northern portions of the state…