News

Clackamas Community College is the recipient of a $301,846 grant from the Portland General Electric (PGE) Drive Change Fund, made possible by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Oregon Clean Fuels Program, to expand electric vehicle (EV) training, safety education and career outreach in Clackamas County.  

The Clackamas EV Power Up project will build on the success of the college's 2020 electric vehicle workforce initiative, growing both academic, first responder and community-based programming that prepares students for the growing clean transportation field. 

Launching in October, the project will double the Alternative Fuels Transportation Technology course capacity in CCC’s Automotive Service Technology program by purchasing two electric vehicles, two EV chargers and three advanced training simulators. These new assets will allow more students to gain hands-on experience with modern EV systems, helping meet the rising demand for qualified technicians in the Portland metro area and beyond. 

“We are committed to creating equitable access to high-wage, high-demand careers in emerging industries,” Dr. Armetta Burney, dean of technology, applied science and public services, said. “This grant from PGE allows us to grow our EV training program while expanding our outreach to communities historically underrepresented in the workforce.” 

The grant will also support the development and launch of a new EV Safety Certification program, designed for both emergency responders and the public. With the passage of House Bill 3798 requiring EV fire training for first responders, this certification ensures safe and informed response to EV-related incidents. 

The college will also partner with community-based organizations to engage rural residents, communities of color and low-income populations with information on EV technology, environmental sustainability and career opportunities. Through school visits, career fairs and community events, the college aims to reach more than 1,000 individuals over the life of the project. 

“By combining hands-on training with targeted outreach, this project helps ensure community members have a pathway to participate in and benefit from Oregon’s transition to clean energy,” Burney said. 

The grant period runs through February 2027, with initial equipment installations and expanded training courses scheduled to begin in early 2026.  

For more information about the automotive programs offered at Clackamas Community College, visit the Automotive Department webpage.