New program will embed energy efficiency technology into construction-related education while prioritizing access for historically underserved communities.
Salem, Ore., June 2, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College has been awarded a $601,537 grant from the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) to launch the Energy Efficiency Building Technology Training Program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at embedding clean energy principles into the College’s Pre-Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship, and Community Education offerings.
The grant is part of a competitive statewide funding opportunity established by House Bill 3409, which supports workforce development programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy-efficient upgrades in Oregon homes. Chemeketa was one of only six organizations selected from among 20 applicants statewide.
“This award reflects Chemeketa’s commitment to building career pathways that both strengthen communities and advance Oregon’s energy goals,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “We’re proud to bring these vital skills to our region’s workforce.”
The College’s new training program will focus on expanding access to sustainable technology education in the Salem and Woodburn areas, prioritizing outreach to populations most impacted by climate change and economic disparity. The project will revise existing apprenticeship curriculum to emphasize the role of energy efficiency in construction trades, while also introducing new community education and continuing education workshops in both English and Spanish.
Topics covered will include:
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Home weatherization strategies
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Heat pump and heat pump water heater installation
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Electrical panel upgrades
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Maximizing home energy efficiency using emerging technologies
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Navigating available incentives and rebates
As part of this initiative, Chemeketa will partner with the Farmworker Housing Development Corporation’s Evolve Workforce & Multifamily Housing Services to co-develop curriculum. Evolve brings deep expertise in property management training and will assist in designing courses grounded in real-world applications.
“Equipping workers with the skills to install and maintain energy-efficient systems is not just good for our economy—it’s essential for the health and resilience of our communities,” said Karla Hale, Executive Dean of Career and Technical Education. “This grant allows us to expand opportunities for underserved populations while preparing them for family-wage careers in high-demand fields.”
For more information on Chemeketa’s Apprenticeship and Community Education programs, visit go.chemeketa.edu/apprenticeship.
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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 17,500 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).
Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.
