College & Career Expo

College & Career Expo 2025 Brings Together Over 200 Students and 50+ Organizations!

On April 18, Columbia Gorge Community College hosted the 2025 College & Career Expo, an event that brought together over 200 students from seven regional high school districts and featured 51 participating organizations. The event was co-sponsored by Gorge STEM Hub and WorkSource, who partnered with the college to bring the event to life.

Attendees explored opportunities with 28 local businesses and industries, 12 colleges and universities, 9 CGCC academic and career pathways, and engaged with 10 breakout session presenters offering insights into a wide range of careers and educational tracks.

This free, community-centered event provided a vital bridge between education and the workforce, allowing high school students, CGCC students, and job seekers to explore diverse career paths, gain exposure to local employers, and learn about educational opportunities in and beyond the Columbia Gorge region. The Expo also served as a platform for employers and educators to connect directly with the next generation of workers and learners.

“This event showcases what is possible when our community comes together to support student success,” said Jessica Griffin Conner, the event coordinator. “We are proud to offer a space where opportunity meets inspiration.”

The Expo is part of CGCC’s broader commitment to inclusive prosperity, aligning with the college’s mission to prioritize equitable access to education and drive economic growth throughout the region. The range of participants, from technical training programs to four-year universities and major local employers, reflects CGCC’s focus on meeting students where they are and supporting their next steps, whatever their goals may be.

Special thanks to the more than 25 volunteers who helped make the event a success, including CGCC faculty, staff, and students, whose dedication and hospitality created a welcoming, engaging experience for all.

Save the Date!

Planning is already underway for next year’s College & Career Expo, which will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026. Community members, educators, students, and employers are encouraged to mark their calendars and visit cgcc.edu/expo for future updates and participation opportunities.

Bookmark this page and check back over the next year for updates, or email jconner@cgcc.edu to be added to a list for updates!

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