About Columbia Gorge Community College
Columbia Gorge Community College
CGCC is a public two-year community college in Oregon. Its mission is to build dreams and transform lives by providing lifelong educational programs that strengthen our community. The college's vision is to become the first option of choice for education and training in the communities it serves, and its actions are guided by those principles.
The college has two locations, both within the stunning Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The college mascot is Brook Chinook, a Chinook salmon. The Chinook is important to the Native American tribes that still live nearby, and played a large part in the history and settlement of the area.
CGCC provides high-caliber instruction, small classes with personalized attention, and robust programs that lead not just to jobs, but to careers. The college aligns those programs with the standards of the State of Oregon Department of Education, so that students may qualify for professional certifications, or transfer to four-year universities to complete their Bachelor's degrees.
The college serves many kinds of students, including English language learners, GED seekers, recent high school graduates, or those seeking a new career. The college also provides individual classes for those who want to update their job skills and short-term certificates (one year or less) that may boost career options. Finally, the college provides life-enriching community education classes that are enjoyed by students of all ages.
CGCC's president is Dr. Marta Yera-Cronin. She is the first Latina president of a community college in Oregon and CGCC's third president.
