Oregon's Community Colleges Celebrate 50 Years of Opportunity

Blue Mountain Community College leads the charge in serving Eastern Oregon students

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:20pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of students walking on a blurred community college campus, with warm, soft pools of light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric quality.Community colleges in Oregon offer flexible, affordable pathways to careers and continued education, connecting students to their local communities.Boardman Today

April marks National Community College Month, and Oregon's 17 community colleges, including Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) in Pendleton, are highlighting their role in providing affordable, flexible pathways to careers and continued education. BMCC offers over 40 degree and certificate programs tailored to the needs of the local economy, with a focus on hands-on learning, small class sizes, and strong connections to the community.

Why it matters

Community colleges play a vital role in expanding access to higher education, especially for students from underserved backgrounds. By offering affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and career-focused programs, community colleges like BMCC are helping to bridge the skills gap and support regional economic development.

The details

BMCC's main campus is located in Pendleton, Oregon, but the college also has satellite branches and centers in Hermiston, Boardman, Milton-Freewater, and Baker City, as well as online and hybrid learning options. This ensures that students across Eastern Oregon can access BMCC's programs, which range from Applied Technology and Healthcare to Agriculture, Diesel, Welding, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

  • April is National Community College Month.
  • BMCC's year-to-date enrollment is up more than 7% for the 2026 Spring Term, with 1,488 students currently enrolled.

The players

Dr. Abby Lee

Executive Director of the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA).

Jordan Monaco

Director of College Relations at Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC).

Andrew Speer

OCCA Board President.

Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC)

A community college serving Eastern Oregon with over 40 degree and certificate programs, multiple campuses, and flexible learning options.

Oregon Community College Association (OCCA)

The organization representing Oregon's 17 community colleges and advocating for their role in providing affordable, accessible higher education.

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What they’re saying

“Community colleges are where opportunity starts. They open doors for students from all backgrounds and provide flexible, affordable pathways to careers and continued education.”

— Dr. Abby Lee, Executive Director, Oregon Community College Association

“At BMCC, you get smaller class sizes, real relationships with your instructors, and programs that are directly connected to the workforce and needs of this region. It's not just about affordability—it's about access, opportunity, and having a college that's truly invested in your success story.”

— Jordan Monaco, Director of College Relations, Blue Mountain Community College

“Community colleges are nimble, responsive, and deeply connected to their communities. They are essential to Oregon's workforce and to student success. Simply put, community colleges work for Oregon.”

— Andrew Speer, OCCA Board President

What’s next

Throughout April, Oregon's 17 community colleges will showcase student stories, programs, and partnerships on social media, highlighting the many ways they serve their communities. BMCC staff and faculty will also participate in a 'Day of Service' volunteering in communities throughout Eastern Oregon.

The takeaway

Community colleges like BMCC are playing a vital role in expanding access to higher education and supporting regional economic development in Oregon. By offering affordable, flexible, and career-focused programs, they are helping to create pathways to success for students from all backgrounds.