ROSEBURG, Oregon – On Wednesday, Feb. 6, Umpqua Community College (UCC) will open its doors to the community and invite people of all ages to its twelfth annual Explore Event. The three-hour, open-house style event in the UCC Gym takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about everything from forestry and robotics to welding and Legos.

This annual favorite is primarily designed for students of all ages; elementary school, middle school, high school, and those attending UCC. The goal is to teach these students, and their family members, about potential STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) careers and educational pathways. More than 40 local employers, along with representatives from UCC and four-year universities, will set-up tables designed for audience show and tell.

This event is a lot of fun and a great learning experience, Clay Baumgartner, UCC’s Engineering/ Surveying and Computer Information Systems Program Chair, said. We host this event each year, with a lot of support from local businesses and industry, to provide people of all ages with the opportunity to learn first-hand information about the many learning and career opportunities our entire community has to offer.

This year’s event, which is being sponsored in cooperation with the Umpqua Valley STEAM Hub, has been expanded to include business, wine making and wine grape growing, and some health care fields. Programs from automotive to welding will also be on display. Free food and prizes will also be available.

Last year, more than 500 people attended. Registrations will be accepted at the door, but participants are encouraged to pre-register now to avoid long lines.

About Umpqua Community College

Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities.

Contact

UCC Career and Technical Education Office
Phone: 541-440-4605