Community College Launches Early Childhood Education and Additive Manufacturing Programs
From Columbia Gorge Community College:
By Tom Penberthy
The Dalles, Ore., July 9, 2026 — Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is expanding opportunities for local residents with two new academic programs designed to meet urgent workforce needs in the Columbia Gorge: an Initial Early Childhood Education certificate, offered in both English and Spanish, and an Additive Manufacturing Processes certificate in the college’s Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication program.
Building the early learning workforce
The 12-credit Initial Early Childhood Education certificate, designed for part-time students to complete in a year, prepares students to work in childcare centers, preschool programs, and other early learning settings serving children from birth through age eight. The program introduces core concepts in child development, learning environments, family engagement, and culturally responsive practice, giving students a strong foundation for further study in CGCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education.
To better serve bilingual and Spanish-speaking communities in the region, CGCC offers the Initial Early Childhood Education certificate in English and in Spanish as “Educación inicial en la primera infancia,” supporting students who prefer to learn and complete coursework in Spanish. Coursework is designed to align with state early learning standards and to help graduates qualify for entry-level roles in licensed childcare and preschool programs, with stackable credits that can be applied toward additional Early Childhood Education certificates and degrees at CGCC.
Advancing careers in high‑tech manufacturing
The new Additive Manufacturing Processes certificate (36 credits, designed to fit in one full academic year) positions students at the forefront of modern manufacturing by training them to use CNC manufacturing, 3D design and printing to create parts and products from polymers and metals. Students learn to move from concept to finished part, gaining experience with CAD design, material science, and production planning while combining additive manufacturing with traditional fabrication techniques.
The Additive Manufacturing Processes certificate is part of CGCC’s growing Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication offerings, which now include multiple one‑year certificates and new associate degrees in CNC and Additive Manufacturing and Fabrication and Additive Manufacturing. These programs prepare graduates for high‑demand roles in sectors such as aerospace, medical device production, and energy technologies, with an emphasis on reducing material waste and improving energy efficiency in manufacturing.
Serving the Columbia Gorge region
Both new programs reflect CGCC’s mission to provide accessible, career‑focused education that supports local employers and strengthens the regional economy. Early Childhood Education graduates will help meet the growing demand for qualified teachers and caregivers, while Additive Manufacturing students will bring cutting‑edge technical skills into local shops and industrial workplaces.
Prospective students can visit CGCC’s website to learn more about the Initial Early Childhood Education / Educación inicial en la primera infancia certificate and the Additive Manufacturing Processes certificate. Information about related Manufacturing and Education & Human Services programs, including advising contacts and degree pathways, is available at cgcc.edu/advanced-manufacturing and cgcc.edu/education-and-human-services.
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