Chemeketa Community College

Are you starting at Chemeketa in the fall with a plan to ultimately complete a 4-year degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) field? The Chemeketa STEM Fellows Program is currently accepting applications for its first cohort. Selected students will receive scholarships up to their full cost of attendance for 2 years at Chemeketa and will join a community of other STEM Fellows to explore academic and career fields within STEM, develop skills and strategies for thriving as a STEM student and prepare for transfer to a university to complete their STEM degree.

Click here for details about the program and the application: https://sites.google.com/chemeketa.edu/chemeketastemfellowship/home for full consideration, apply by July 15.

What an incredible celebration of STEM at Chemeketa!

Over three exciting days, students, employees, families, and community members came together for our STEM Showcase, Engineering Bridge Building Competition, and STEM Family Day—and the results were inspiring!

Student researchers proudly presented their science and math projects and posters, sharing months of hard work, discovery, and innovation. Congratulations to our ribbon winners, recognized with both Faculty Choice and Student Choice awards!

Our Engineering Bridge Building Competition put student designs to the ultimate test. Teams engineered and constructed miniature bridges that faced astonishing amounts of force before finally giving way. Watching these structures hold strong—and seeing the crowd react when they reached their breaking point—was a highlight of the event!

STEM Family Day opened our classrooms, labs, and learning spaces to the families and supporters who help our students succeed. Visitors explored hands-on activities, met faculty, toured facilities, and enjoyed a memorable journey through the stars in the planetarium.

Thank you to all the students, employees, volunteers, families, and community members who made this event such a success. Together, you showcased the curiosity, creativity, and innovation that make STEM education so exciting.

Did you know that Chemeketa Cellars has free live music all summer? The Chemeketa Cellars tasting room hosts talented local artists for intimate patio performances and larger lawn shows, always free and open to all ages. Try our student-grown, student-made wine, enjoy some light bites, and learn more about Chemeketa Community College's Wine Studies program.
Check out the 2024 line-up here: https://www.chemeketacellars.com/Live-Music-and-Events.

You are invited to celebrate Pride with the Safe Haven LGBTQ2SIA+ Resource Center. Join us at Salem Cinema June 7 & 8 for a special 2-night showing of "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar", emceed by the fabulous RiRi Caliente XL! Tickets are free and include a popcorn and soda. Reserve your tickets at http://www.salemcinema.com

You won't want to miss this...

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

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.

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