A three-year state grant that trained workers for manufacturing and tech jobs in Washington County concluded in August, turning a $90,000 scholarship goal into nearly $500,000 in student aid for 321 people, with training running at the Willow Creek Opportunity Center near Bethany.

The Community to Careers Workforce Ready Grant, a $2.2 million initiative funded by Oregon's Higher Education Coordinating Commission and administered through PCC's Opportunity Center, launched a CNC machining microcredential that graduated 98 students and placed at least 39 into new jobs, PCC announced Tuesday.

The program's centerpiece was the CNC Operator Readiness Essentials (CORE) microcredential, an intensive 60-hour course preparing participants for entry-level careers in computer numerical control machining and advanced manufacturing. The completion rate hit 96%.

PCC worked with 19 employers to hold 10 interview events and facilitate 276 interviews for CORE graduates. Of those participants, 39 secured new employment, 13 maintained existing jobs and 19 enrolled in college courses.

The pipeline feeds directly into the Washington County tech corridor. A separate but related PCC program, Quick Start to Manufacturing Technician Training, runs free two-week classes at the Willow Creek Opportunity Center in Beaverton, near SW 185th Avenue and Baseline Road. According to PCC's OMIC Training Center, at least one graduate credited the program with landing technician interviews at Intel and Lam Research.

Pam Hester, program dean for Community Workforce Development and Opportunity Centers at PCC, said the initiative created lasting pathways connecting people from underserved communities with family-wage careers in healthcare, technology and manufacturing.

"The success of Community to Careers shows what is possible when education, employers and community organizations work together to remove barriers for students," Hester said.

Beyond the CORE program, the grant funded 92 workshops serving 532 students on topics including computer basics, career exploration and practical AI tools in manufacturing. Program staff partnered with 19 community-based organizations across Washington, Multnomah and Columbia counties, including Adelante Mujeres, Central City Concern and HomePlate Youth Services. About 480 community members referred by those organizations accessed college and career preparation services.

Program manager Kali Giaritta, who oversaw the initiative, said graduates left with the confidence and skills to work as CNC operators whether they moved straight into careers or continued their education at PCC.

The CORE microcredential continues beyond the grant period with new classes starting monthly. The next session begins Monday, Sept. 14, at the Willow Creek Opportunity Center in Beaverton.