Welcome to the Oregon Community College Association

The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) represents the seventeen publicly chartered community colleges and their locally elected board members. Founded in 1962, OCCA is an association whose purpose is to support the colleges before policy-makers and partners whose actions affect the well-being of community colleges across the state. 

In the News

OCCA Executive Director Abby Lee, MHCC President Lisa Skari, MHCC Board Member Andrew Speer, Rep. Ricki Ruiz, and OCCA President Pat Fahey

Howard Cherry Awards Banquet celebrates leadership, service and opportunity

Nov. 6, 2026 – Community college leaders, colleagues and families gathered in Sunriver on November 5 for the 2026 OCCA Howard Cherry Awards Banquet, celebrating individuals whose service has expanded opportunities for students and strengthened colleges across Oregon.
Four speakers discuss workforce education during the 2026 OCCA Conference in Sunriver. A panelist speaks into a microphone and gestures while the other panelists and moderator listen, seated onstage against blue-lit curtains.

Day two of OCCA Conference connects student success with Oregon’s workforce future

Nov. 6, 2026 – What happens after a student earns a credential? Does it open the door to a good job, create opportunities for advancement and help build a more secure future? Those questions connected the keynote presentation and workforce discussion on Thursday, November 5.
Evelina “EJ” Juzenaite speaks alongside David Bautista Gummersall, left, and moderator Belle Cantor, right, at the 2026 OCCA Conference in Sunriver. A screen reads “Elevating Student Voice Across Oregon’s Community Colleges.”

Student voices help open 2026 OCCA Conference

Nov. 5, 2026 – Community college leaders from across Oregon gathered in Sunriver on November 4 for the opening day of the 2026 Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) Conference. The welcome reception and evening program offered time to reconnect with colleagues, exchange ideas and begin conversations that will continue through Thursday and Friday, November 5–6.

Our Mission

Leading with racial equity, we advocate, communicate, and collaborate to strengthen community colleges for the benefit of Oregonians, particularly those historically underserved or systemically marginalized in higher education.

Tuesday November 10
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Legislative Committee Meeting
Wednesday November 11
Tuesday November 17
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Legislative Committee Meeting
Wednesday November 18
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