MEDFORD, Ore. (Oct. 30, 2024) — Rogue Community College (RCC) and the Medford School District (MSD) have expanded their collaborative partnership to offer high school students real-world training. The goal is to provide opportunities for career-ready certifications by equipping students with the skills needed to secure jobs in Southern Oregon, and beyond.
Through this initiative, students are exploring healthcare career pathways, learning the technical and interpersonal skills that support jobs in healthcare, and connecting with local employers for practical, hands-on experience, ultimately enhancing the workforce talent pipeline.
“The opportunities our students have through this partnership with Rogue Community College are extraordinary,” said Medford School District Career Learning Coordinator Larina Warnock. “We’re helping our students graduate high school with more than just a diploma. They’re leaving with a clear path to well-paying, in-demand jobs and a strong support system for their future.”
Students from North Medford High School and South Medford High School can now participate in healthcare programs that lead to certifications in phlebotomy and nursing assistant positions through RCC-led programs designed to address regional workforce gaps within the healthcare field. RCC advisors work closely with high school counselors and teachers to help students navigate programs such as dual-credit, Early College, and other college opportunities. This ensures students meet high school graduation requirements and their post-graduation goals.
“Through this partnership, we’re able to provide learning opportunities within Medford’s high schools to mitigate barriers with transportation and schedules, giving Medford students direct pathways to meaningful, local careers, and helping them find success from high school into their professional lives,” said RCC’s Dean of Business and Workforce Development Lisa Parks.
The joint effort addresses the growing need to build bridges between high school and college education. By providing students with college advising, hands-on training and access to career-ready certifications, the partnership eases the transition from high school to the workforce or further education.
For more information on RCC’s high school partnerships, visit http://www.roguecc.edu/HSP or call RCC’s Advising Department at 541-956-7192. The Advising Department has walk in advising available at all three campuses. Academic and Career Coaches are available in person on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Current North Medford High School and South Medford High School students can contact their school counselor or Future Center for more information on how to participate.
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For general media inquiries or to schedule an interview with RCC staff, please contact Director, Marketing & Communications/PIO Kelly Gonzales at 541-955-7525, kgonzales@roguecc.edu.