Career Ed. Regional Advisory Committee Builds Momentum at Hood River Valley High School
From Columbia Gorge STEM Hub:
By Nicole Tolmie
Hood River, Ore., Oct. 17, 2025 — Educators, industry leaders, and community partners from across the Columbia Gorge came together at Hood River Valley High School (HRVHS) for the second Career and Technical Education (CTE) Regional Advisory Committee meeting. Hosted by Columbia Gorge STEM Hub and Columbia Gorge Education Service District in partnership with High Desert ESD, the convening strengthened cross-sector collaboration and advanced shared goals for expanding career-connected learning.
The evening began with rolling tours of CTE classrooms led by HRVHS students and teachers, showcasing hands-on programs in areas like advanced manufacturing and health sciences. Guests then gathered in the library for a networking dinner and opening remarks from Brent Emmons (HRVHS Assistant Principal), Brook Rich (High Desert ESD), Kate Wurster (Columbia Gorge STEM Hub), and Mauree Donahue Revier (Columbia Gorge ESD). Presenters highlighted progress since the inaugural spring meeting, shared regional CTE data snapshots, and reaffirmed the goals of this committee: creating a platform for bi-annual convenings, strengthening partnerships to expand work-based learning, improving communication and efficiency, and addressing future workforce needs.
“This emphasis on relationship and community-building is what makes the CTE Advisory Committee so powerful”, shared Jorma Henson, CTE Manufacturing Teacher from South Wasco County High School. He adds, “It’s important because when educators and industry professionals come together, they’re aligning classroom instruction with real-world relevance. These partnerships foster mutual understanding, spark innovation, and ensure that both education and industry are growing together, not apart. It’s a model that strengthens student outcomes and builds a more connected, future-ready workforce.”
Industry–Educator Panel
A highlight of the evening was the Industry–Educator Panel, which sparked an engaging conversation on the professional skills employers most need from graduates, strategies for building strong partnerships, and practical solutions to barriers like scheduling, communication, and transportation. Panelists emphasized the importance of problem-solving, communication, and adaptability—findings echoed in a live audience poll that reinforced these as top employability skills.
Small-Group Action Planning
Following the panel, participants engaged in small-group action planning to chart concrete next steps for strengthening CTE across the region. Discussions emphasized the need to simplify processes that connect students with local employers, amplify student voice by including youth in advisory work, and expand culturally relevant opportunities such as restoration projects along the Columbia River. Participants also highlighted the importance of better communication with families—particularly at the middle school level—to showcase the value of CTE, and stressed integrating professional skills into real-world projects so students gain experience in authentic workplace settings.
Looking Ahead
The evening concluded with commitments to action and a save-the-date for the next convening in Spring 2026 at Columbia Gorge Community College (The Dalles Campus).
Thad Iremonger, Regional Manager at Curtis Homes, who participated in the Industry- Educator Panel shared, “I believe it’s essential for educators and industry professionals to come together because it allows us to prepare the next generation of workforce with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the construction industry, particularly in the trades. By collaborating, we can identify the skills gap, develop targeted solutions, processes, and curriculums that meet industry needs, and create a pipeline of talented individuals who can drive our industry forward, ultimately strengthening our community and economy.”
Get Involved
Educators interested in engaging with regional employers can explore the Educator–Industry Matchmaking Dashboard: www.gorgestem.org/matchmaking.
The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub is also actively recruiting more regional industry professionals to complete the Industry Engagement Form: www.gorgestem.org/matchmaking-registration. Industry partners who sign up will help bring real-world relevance to classrooms and expand opportunities for career awareness, career exploration, and career preparation & training for local students.
For more information, please contact Kate Wurster, Columbia Gorge STEM Hub at kwurster@cgesd.k12.or.us.
Columbia Gorge STEM Hub is a department of Columbia Gorge Education Service District. Learn more about the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub’s work: www.gorgestem.org
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