Columbia Gorge Community College Vice President of Instruction Dr. Jarett Gilbert joined Oregon community-college leaders at a recent Legislative Day, meeting with state representatives to advocate for continued investment in CGCC and community colleges statewide.
Gilbert shared the essential role community colleges play in preparing Oregon’s workforce, expanding access to affordable education and supporting local economies. He also discussed the financial pressures colleges face as enrollment grows, particularly in high-cost career and technical education programs that require specialized instructors, equipment, laboratories and smaller class sizes.
“Community colleges are designed to meet students where they are,” Gilbert said. “That means serving working adults, parents, first-generation students, rural learners and those preparing for careers that Oregon employers need. Sustained state investment helps us keep those opportunities accessible and affordable for the people of the Columbia Gorge.”
Funding request
Oregon’s community colleges are requesting a 7.5% increase in the Community College Support Fund for the 2027–29 biennium. The request is below the state Department of Administrative Services’ estimated 13.7% increase needed to maintain the state-funded portion of currently authorized services.
The difference reflects the compromises colleges are making through efficiencies, reserve spending, tuition revenue and other cost-saving measures. Without adequate state support, colleges may have to rely further on reserves, raise tuition or reduce programs, staffing and student services.
Serving more than FTE
Community colleges serve approximately 4.34 students for every one full-time-equivalent student, reflecting the large number of learners who attend part time while balancing jobs, family responsibilities and other obligations. An estimated 73% of Oregon community-college students are employed while attending college.
While funding is often discussed in terms of “full-time-equivalent” enrollment, colleges still provide many of the same core services to every student, including admissions, advising, financial-aid assistance, technology access, tutoring, disability services and basic-needs support, regardless of how many credits they take.
Workforce and economic impact
Community colleges provide education and training for careers in health care, manufacturing, construction, public safety, education, technology and other high-demand fields. Statewide, Oregon’s community colleges generate an estimated $11 billion in annual economic impact and support approximately 120,140 jobs, according to a 2026 Lightcast analysis cited by the Oregon Community College Association.
“CGCC is proud to help build a skilled local workforce and create pathways for students across our service district,” Gilbert said. “Our message to legislators is simple: Community colleges work for Oregon, and continued investment is necessary to sustain that work.”