Tillamook Bay Community College (TBCC) is proud to reaffirm its mission of serving the community, strengthening the regional workforce, and expanding access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. By participating in two nationally recognized initiatives, the Rural Guided Pathways Project and the Scaling Apprenticeship at Community Colleges Project, TBCC is positioning itself as a leader in rural student success and workforce innovation.
TBCC was recently selected as one of only 13 colleges in the nation to join Phase 2 of the Rural Guided Pathways Project, a three-year effort focused on helping rural students succeed through evidence-based, institution-wide reforms. “This opportunity will help us transform TBCC into a more student-centered institution, ensuring our programs align with the needs of our community and local workforce,” said TBCC President Paul Jarrell. “Through this initiative, we will strengthen partnerships and create clear pathways to sustainable-wage careers, empowering our students and enriching Tillamook County.”
In addition, TBCC has joined the Scaling Apprenticeship at Community Colleges Project, launched by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). This national initiative equips community colleges with the tools and support to build, expand, and sustain high-quality apprenticeship programs. The project emphasizes employer partnerships, industry-aligned curriculum, and paid on-the-job learning opportunities. For students, this means the ability to earn wages, gain industry-recognized credentials, and complete college coursework at the same time. For the community, it means a stronger, more adaptable workforce in high-demand fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and technology. Tillamook Bay Community College has been named one of just two colleges on the West Coast, and the only institution in the Pacific Northwest, selected to participate in this prestigious five-year project.
“Community colleges are uniquely positioned to integrate the paid learning of apprenticeship with in-demand skills and credentials,” said Jee Hang Lee, ACCT President and CEO. “This project’s approach will create systemic change within institutions that can be leveraged to directly improve opportunities and outcomes for learners from low-income backgrounds.”
By combining classroom learning with strong workforce partnerships and clear educational pathways, TBCC is building a stronger pipeline from education to employment, strengthening not only its students but also the future of Tillamook County.