A Decade of Education and Enrichment
COCC's Madras and Prineville campuses celebrate 10 years of service and community partnerships
When the doors opened to COCC's campuses in Madras and Prineville in 2011 — with construction supported by a voter-backed bond, together with generous land donations in both communities and the involvement of many groups and individuals — it was clear that Central Oregon was primed for an expanded community college. In fact, that first year saw the highest enrollment in COCC's history. The two campuses have since grown into essential learning hubs in the region, providing access, enrichment and a range of educational offerings, from Youth Camps to degree-oriented coursework.
Happy anniversary to our Madras and Prineville campuses!
We are so pleased to recognize and celebrate the 10-year milestone of our Madras and Prineville campuses. These community hubs are places of impact in Central Oregon and serve an integral role in COCC’s nearly 10,000-square-mile district. Our campuses in Crook and Jefferson counties offer a breadth of learning options and services, where local students can take their first-ever college class, prepare for their GED with our Adult Basic Skills program, or even build the foundation for a two-year degree — all while staying close to home.
In addition to extensive class offerings — from computer training and algebra to public speaking and art — COCC’s Madras and Prineville campuses provide tutoring and testing services, offer access to our Native American and Latinx programs, host events like film screenings and book groups, and deliver essential connectivity with computer labs and loaned technologies for remote studies. We collaborate with other organizations, such as school districts, county agencies, private businesses, and chambers of commerce to utilize these campuses as welcoming community resources.
As Central Oregon continues to grow, COCC is proud to be an active partner in supporting industry development, from health care to high tech needs. Our Madras and Prineville campuses are central to that focus — places to learn, grow, and set forth on a career. Please join us in our yearlong commemoration of a wonderful decade of service for COCC Madras and COCC Prineville, both exceptional representations of what the College offers to our region.
– Dr. Laurie Chesley, COCC President
"We have become a valuable part of the community. The COCC Prineville Campus allows
our Prineville and Crook County residents to access educational opportunities in their
hometown."
– Suzie Kristensen, director, COCC Crook County Open Campus
"For communities like Madras, Warm Springs or Culver to have access to top-notch instructors,
educational resources and the ability to achieve both degrees and certificate programs,
is an opportunity that changes the potential trajectory of life. As a resident of
Madras, I'm excited for the opportunities COCC and this campus brings to this community…to
allow people to both thrive where they live and achieve their educational hopes and
dreams."
– Jeremy Green, director, COCC Madras Campus
"COCC is a highly valued community partner with OSU Extension-Open Campus, and other
partners, in providing educational opportunities for our community. Prineville cares
about our citizens and COCC is a great resource and support for anyone looking to
pursue additional education."
– Becky Munn, coordinator, Oregon State University Open Campus Education
"Being able to do all my prerequisites in Prineville was so helpful. It saved me a
lot of time and money, with not having to travel to Bend to get them done. Also, the
staff at the Prineville campus is amazing."
– Ashley Kingsford, Dental Assisting graduate
"I think by having the campus here it shows that as a community we like to take care
of our own residents, which is part of the independent culture we enjoy here in Crook
County."
– Jerry M. Brummer, Crook County Commissioner
"I liked the smaller class sizes and that you get more one-on-one time with the instructors.
I really liked COCC offering this option to students."
– Michael Leecy, Forestry graduate
"People are proud of it. For the community, it's been invaluable. Madras has grown
and the College is a part of that."
– Kelly Simmelink, Jefferson County Commissioner
COMING EVENTS:
10th Anniversary Celebration and Crook County Chamber After Hours
Thursday, April 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
COCC Prineville Campus
10th Anniversary Celebration and Salmon Bake
Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
COCC Madras Campus