COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is pleased to honor South Coast Lumber Co. & Affiliates, and South Coast Head Start with our 2025 Career Technical Education (CTE) Industry Partner of the Year Award. Southwestern’s CTE partners’ steadfast support of our programs has been integral to our students’ success.
South Coast Lumber Co. & Affiliates has been an essential partner in developing Southwestern’s SWOCC Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. SWOCC Works trains students in entry-level construction skills, OSHA safety training, and heavy equipment operation. It prepares people for jobs in the trades on both the Coos and Curry Campuses.
Photo left to right: Ali Mageehon, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Southwestern; Jeff Bunnell, Operations Manager South Coast Lumber Co. & Affiliates; Patty Scott, President of Southwestern
South Coast Lumber Co. & Affiliates is a fourth-generation, family-owned business, proudly celebrating 75 years of supporting the Brookings economy and the southern Oregon Coast. Since 1950, they have been committed to producing premium wood products through their sawmill, plywood, and laminated veneer lumber facilities, providing over 500 family-wage jobs to our local communities.
“South Coast Lumber has demonstrated support for the success of our students in both tangible and conceptual ways. Their willingness to collaborate has helped identify and remove barriers for students, and their shared knowledge has helped guide program development. We appreciate the time, care, encouragement, and support of SWOCC’s students,” said Raushanna Dapena, Apprenticeship Program Director.
South Coast Head Start has a long history of partnering with Southwestern, working with Early Childhood faculty to provide practicum placements in high-quality programs in which students refine their skills and learn from masterful teachers.
Photo left to right: Ali Mageehon, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Southwestern; Wendi Baird, Director of South Coast Head Start; Jennifer Gill, Director of Hiring and Licensing South Coast Head Start; Patty Scott, President of Southwestern; Brenda Jackson, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator at Southwestern
South Coast Head Start supports children’s growth from birth to age five through services that promote early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Head Start actively engages parents, recognizing family participation throughout the program as key to strong child outcomes. They work tirelessly to ensure children and families receive high-quality services in safe and healthy settings that prepare children for school and life.
Taya Noland, Director of CARE Connections Child Care Resource & Referral, shares, “Head Start has been a key partner in developing the first Early Childhood apprenticeship in Oregon, through which students work toward their AAS in Preschool Development while working at Head Start. This apprenticeship model has gained statewide attention, and this spring marks our first graduates!”
“Head Start has been instrumental in providing pre-kindergarten practicum placements and mentors for pre-service teachers in three degrees: Childhood Education and Family Studies Associate of Science; Preschool Child Development Associate of Applied Science; and Elementary Education Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer. This valuable partnership helps Southwestern provide experienced teachers to serve the needs of families throughout Oregon,” said Brenda Jackson, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator.
It’s with great pleasure that we present these two excellent organizations with our CTE Partner of the Year Award.
To learn more about Southwestern’s career technical training programs call 541-888-7405 to make an appointment with an advisor.
