Local students sign letters of intent to Rogue Community College CTE programs

Dozens of high school students signed their letters of intent to go to Rogue Community College. It’s part of the college’s “CTE Signing Day.”

This is the third year RCC has held the signing day. Students commit to a Career Technical Education, or CTE, program.

“I think it’s huge because it gets them into the door and it’s nice to see that students at such young of an age have an actual direction that they want to go, and it’s a big advantage for them when they come a do the signing day,” said Pete Ridgeway. Rideway is the Co-Department Chair of the Automotive Technology program.

Programs include Automotive Technology, Business Technology, Computer Science, Diesel Technology, Early Childhood Education, Electronics Technology, Emergency Services, Graphic Design, Health Occupations, Industrial Welding Technology, Manufacturing Technology and Mechatronics.

Rideway said the program sets students up for success early.

“My students are usually working before they even get graduated, and the reason is because there is so much of demand in my industry,” said Ridgeway. “Not all are working before they graduate, but I would say a good 75 percent of my students are working before they even hit the graduation floor.”

Students from the eight local high schools committed to a technical education pathway at the event. They include students from Ashland, Butte Falls, Eagle Point, Grants Pass, Hidden Valley, Logos, North Medford and Phoenix.