Chemeketa Community College

06/04/2026

You won't want to miss this...

06/03/2026

In this episode of Chatting with Chemeketa, President Jessica Howard and cohost Les Wielgos highlight the many ways Chemeketa Community College inspires innovation and strengthens communities. In the first half of the show, Life Sciences Instructor Jennifer Schramm discusses the upcoming STEM Showcase and STEM Fair, sharing how these events engage students and families in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics experiences that spark curiosity and encourage future careers in STEM fields. In the second half of the program, Matt Geiger, Director of Chemeketa's Center for Business & Industry and Small Business Development Center, explains the resources, training, and support available to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the region, helping local businesses launch, grow, and thrive. Together, these conversations showcase Chemeketa's commitment to fostering discovery, opportunity, and economic vitality across the communities it serves.
Listen now at: https://chattingwithchemeketa.podbean.com/e/stem-startups-and-strengthening-communities

05/29/2026

Yesterday, we had the privilege of celebrating another incredible group of graduates from the SOAR (Student Opportunities for Achieving Results) program at Chemeketa Community College.

For many participants, the journey to graduation was not an easy one. They faced significant challenges, including substance use disorders, involvement with the justice system, housing instability, and barriers that might have seemed impossible to overcome. Yet through determination, hard work, and the support of SOAR, they chose a different path—one focused on recovery, education, employment, family, and hope.

SOAR is a collaborative program offered through Chemeketa Community College, Marion County Parole & Probation, and Marion County Health & Human Services. Through intensive classes, treatment, employment preparation, mentoring, and life-skills development, participants gain the tools needed to rebuild their lives and become successful members of our community.

Yesterday's graduates reminded us that people are far more than their past mistakes. They are parents, workers, students, neighbors, and community members with bright futures ahead of them.

Congratulations to every graduate. Your perseverance, courage, and commitment to change inspire us all. We can't wait to see what comes next in your journey.

05/29/2026

May is coming to an end, but our commitment to your well-being never stops. Chemeketa Counseling & Student Support Services is here whenever you're ready!

Visit our Salem Campus office in Building 2, Room 230 or schedule an appointment through Navigate360

Learn more: go.chemeketa.edu/counseling

05/29/2026

In honor of the tenth anniversary of Chemeketa Press, here's a Throwback Thursday video from 2020. Congrats to Chemeketa Press on this huge milestone!

Chemeketa Community College has a one-of-its-kind solution to increasing textbook costs: Make their own professional-quality textbooks written by monks...er,...

05/28/2026

Join the fourth annual STEM Student Showcase at Chemeketa Community College and celebrate the work of Chemeketa STEM students!

STEM Student Poster Fair
Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 3 to 5 p.m.
Building 8 upstairs hallways
Free pizza available

Engineering Bridge Competition
Friday, June 5, 2026 | 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Building 20, Room 213

STEM Family Day
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. to noon
Building 8 upstairs

Students are encouraged to bring their families to see posters, labs, and learning spaces from this year’s work. The event also includes open science labs, kids' activities, and free planetarium shows in Building 2, Room 171.

05/27/2026

Mental health is personal.

What works for one person may not work for another, and that’s okay. The path may look different for everyone, but we all deserve 💚

Find free tools and ways to get involved at mhanational.org/may

05/22/2026

Meet Karen Stevens, LCSW, Chemeketa Counselor
What does “having a good day together” look like for you?

Karen says, "A good day together looks like collaboration, shared purpose, and small moments of encouragement throughout the day... It’s a day where people feel supported, capable, and a little more hopeful."

05/22/2026

The 2026 Chemeketa Community College Student Art Show is ready for you to explore! This is a delight for the senses, featuring a rich variety of textures and exploring a breadth of tone and content. Visit and celebrate the success of the students here at Chemeketa. We returned to juried shows this year and invited Cayla Skillin-Brauchle, Associate Professor of Art at Willamette University, to select the featured work in the gallery from 116 submissions.

Open now through June 5th at the Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery, Chemeketa Community College.
Open Monday / Wednesday 9 AM - 5 PM, Tuesday / Thursday: 9 AM - 3 PM, and Friday: 1 PM - 4 PM

If you missed the reception, please feel free to view a slideshow at the link that features all the artwork that was given an award. Additionally, in-person guests may still cast a vote for their favorite artwork until June 1st. We look forward to seeing you!

Slideshow: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1oy1Ed9WnFuib6nZ056vAZKAiCYNL3zwn/edit?slide=id.p1 =id.p1

05/20/2026

You don’t have to carry the weight of “not-so-good” days alone. When we look out for one another, more good days become possible for all of us.

Learn more: mhanational.org/may