Clackamas Community College begins the 2011-12 academic year as a leaner organization than it was one year ago.

In the last year 38,000 students turned to CCC for education, skills training, and business and work force needs. During that same time period, CCC as a partner in WorkSource Clackamas, served more than 14,000 people who were laid off, looking for work or in need of retraining to re-enter a changing job market.

We’ve also seen more high school students and their parents turning to CCC for affordable university transfer courses to begin their college education.

Operationally, the college has adjusted to the 18-percent reduction in funding during this recession. We’ve found ways to live within our means while still serving the 41 percent increase in students over the past 10 years.

As president, I am honored to be a part of an institution that plays a vital role in our community and state. Did you know that community colleges serve close to half of the undergraduate students in the United States? Or that since 1985, more than half of all community college students have been women? The average age of a community college student is 29 years old, and two-thirds of community college students attend part-time.

But there’s no reason to wait to start at Clackamas. Many high school students in our district do not move onto college. CCC is a perfect place to begin gaining the training and skills for a career that lasts a lifetime. In this schedule you will find stories about the growing demand for trained industry professionals.

Clackamas Community College is part of an American tradition that provides access to education, training and a pathway to a brighter future.

Warm regards,