College & Career Expo

Reserve Your Spot Now!

The 2026 College & Career Expo will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026. Educators, students, and employers are encouraged to register to attend now. Click here to register for this FREE event!

About The Event

The College & Career Expo 2026 is a 4-hour, hands-on experience designed to help high school juniors and seniors explore their next steps after graduation. Hosted by Columbia Gorge Community College and sponsored by Career Connected Learning Oregon, Columbia Gorge STEM Hub, Oregon State University Open Campus, and WorkSource Oregon, the Expo brings together colleges, employers, training programs, and community organizations from across the region.

Students will have the opportunity to rotate through interactive workshops, meet with representatives on the vendor floor, tour CGCC’s campus, and enjoy a free lunch. The event centers practical exploration: students can compare pathways, ask questions directly to professionals, and learn about programs that range from transfer degrees to technical training, apprenticeships, and emerging local industries.

The 2025 Expo welcomed more than 200 students, 50 participating organizations, and a robust slate of breakout sessions highlighting everything from healthcare and advanced manufacturing to education, business, and STEM fields. The 2026 event builds on that momentum with expanded programming and even more opportunities for students to connect with real options for their futures.

The Expo reflects CGCC’s ongoing commitment to educational access, workforce readiness, and equitable opportunity throughout the Columbia Gorge. By bringing educators, employers, and students together in one space, the event creates a bridge between high school, college, and careers to help young people envision the many routes they can take toward meaningful, sustainable work and continued education.

Whether students are exploring college, preparing to enter the workforce, or still figuring out what comes next, the College & Career Expo 2026 offers a supportive, engaging environment to discover what’s possible.

Sign up using the link at the top of the page, and we'll see you on April 17th!

Last Year's Event: 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.