COCC’s Madras Campus hosted the 26th annual Salmon Bake! The event featured vibrant displays of indigenous culture through dance, music, vendors, and food.
Thank you to our First Nations Student Union team, organizers, cooks, performers, attendees, and everyone who shared their culture with us.
Central Oregon Community College's annual Storm the Stairs returns to the Bend campus on Tuesday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m.
The Storm the Stairs race is a challenging two-mile run and walk that starts at the Mazama Track and navigates 465 stairs up, down and across the hilly slopes of the Bend campus, including through buildings.
The race is free to COCC students and $15 (plus processing fee) for other runners registering in advance, with all entrants receiving a t-shirt; in-person, day-of registration is $20. Participants are encouraged to register in advance at cocc.edu/departments/sports/races.
Summer term is right around the corner, and it is not too late to get started! Apply before Friday, June 12 at 5 p.m. and take the first step towards your future at COCC!
You’re invited to a COCC tradition that brings our community together.
Join us for the Annual Salmon Bake, a Native American feast and celebration that has been part of Central Oregon for more than 25 years.
Madras Campus (newly expanded)
Saturday, May 16
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free and open to everyone
Come enjoy a day of culture, connection and fun:
Live music and dance performances
Flutist James Edmund Greeley, a Native American Music Award winner
Warm Springs K-8 drum and dance group
Grupo Folklórico el Sol
Vendor booths and a silent auction
Starting at noon, enjoy traditionally baked salmon cooked over an open fire, along with frybread and other sides.
Every donation and auction bid supports scholarships for COCC’s First Nations Student Union.
Bring your friends and family and celebrate community, culture and tradition with us. We look forward to seeing you there.
Celebrate Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with COCC this May. Join us for free events across our Bend, Redmond, Prineville and Madras campuses featuring cultural displays, performances, a book discussion and more.
Highlights include:
• A virtual discussion of “Dust Child” by bestselling author Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai on May 13
• “Roots of Joy” on May 31 in Wille Hall featuring hula, Filipino traditional dance, spoken word, piano and martial arts demonstrations
You can also explore cultural displays and enjoy snacks from Tomi Mart throughout the month at campuses across Central Oregon.
Events are free and open to the public. https://cocc.edu/home/events/event-details/9b0a7cbf-7cbc-4b36-864d-75e602d11c9e
Last week, Dr. Pereira cut the ribbon to the Madras Campus Expansion. This marks the official opening to a project that broke ground almost two years ago.
This expansion not only provides state-of-the-art spaces for students to pursue fields like nursing, early childhood education, and biology, but fills needs in both the Madras and Warm Springs. Local students will have the opportunity to take classes closer to them, and serve their communities upon completion of their programs.
Thank you to our donors, the COCC Foundation, and everyone who played a part in making this project come to fruition!
It's time to celebrate your achievement, Bobcat! 💙
Graduates, RSVP now to walk at COCC's 2026 Commencement! It's a way to honor your dedication, hard work and success. Registration closes May 22 at 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 13
10 a.m. – noon
Mazama Field, Bend Campus
We can’t wait to celebrate with you, your friends and your family.
https://cocc.edu/departments/admissions/graduation-and-honors/commencement
Scholarships for Fall 2026 are now open for students pursuing a certificate or associate of applied science (AAS) degree in Addiction Counseling and Behavioral Health.
You could receive:
• Up to $10,000 through HRSA
• Up to $7,050 through the Oregon Health Authority
Two separate applications are required, so be sure to complete both:
Apply here:
• HRSA Scholarship: /jfe/form/SV_b7nk3O1Ax4SNJpY
• OHA Scholarship: https://cocc.edu/departments/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/oha-scholarship-addiction-counseling-behavioral-health
Have questions? We’re here to help! Sean Roberts: [email protected] or Monica Vines: [email protected]
Secure your spot in campus housing for the 2026-2027 academic year! Apply today to live just steps from classes, make lifelong friends, and be right in the heart of campus life 💙
It's time to celebrate your achievement, Bobcat! 💙
Graduates, RSVP now to walk at COCC's 2026 Commencement! It's a way to honor your dedication, hard work and success. Registration closes May 22 at 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 13
10 a.m. – noon
Mazama Field, Bend Campus
We can’t wait to celebrate with you, your friends and your family.
https://cocc.edu/departments/admissions/graduation-and-honors/commencement
Madras Campus Expansion Grand Opening
Thursday, April 30, 4-6 p.m.
Join us for a special milestone celebration as Central Oregon Community College proudly celebrates its new Madras campus expansion.
This open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 30, at 4 p.m., marking an important step forward in expanding educational access, workforce training and student support services in Jefferson County. Community members, students, partners and supporters are invited to tour the new building, meet faculty and staff, and explore the programs and opportunities the expanded campus will support.
The event will feature brief remarks from college leadership and community partners, followed by the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and self-guided tours of the facility. Light refreshments will be provided.
We look forward to celebrating this next chapter for our students and our community with you.
It is almost time for our annual spring races! Join us for the 30th annual Jungle Run and Storm the Stairs! The race is free to COCC students and $15 (plus processing fee) for other runners registering in advance, with all entrants receiving a t-shirt; in-person, day-of registration is $20. Participants are encouraged to register in advance at https://ow.ly/cTKE50YPf1z
The Jungle Run/Walk features a 4-mile or 2-mile trail course with single-track trails, mud bogs, steep climbs, and obstacles.
Storm the Stairs is a 2-mile, 465 stair race across COCC’s scenic hillside campus, including through buildings!
We hope to see you there!
