Educator–Industry Matchmaking: Connecting Classrooms & Careers
At the heart of this initiative is a regional directory that makes it easy for educators to identify and connect with professionals across key industries. This tool will spark new collaborations, give students authentic real-world insights, and help build meaningful ties between schools, careers, and community.
By fostering these connections, we:
-
Enrich classroom learning with authentic industry expertise
-
Create interactive career exploration opportunities
-
Strengthen awareness of essential employability skills
Ellen Wylde
Secretary, Board of Directors WW&W
Wylde Wind & Water
The Secretary helps to coordinate programs where youth dive into water sports—SUP, kayaks, outrigger canoe, and swimming—at Nichols Boat Basin, paired with hands-on enrichment in science, art, history, and dance. The Viento y Agua internship adds career chats with local professionals, building confidence and connections. Programs cap at 25 youth, plus free weekly SUP and wing foil sessions. The program welcomed 600+ community participants in 2025.
Job description:
Elementary (K-5), High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8)
Preferred audience:
Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications, Business, Management & Administration, Education & Training, Hospitality & Tourism
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Guest Speaker, Host a School Group, Host an Intern
Lisa Farquharson
President / CEO
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce
The CEO of the Chamber of Commerce is here to support, advocate, and promote regional businesses and the community.
Job description:
High School (9-12)
Preferred audience:
Business, Management & Administration, Hospitality & Tourism
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Host Job Shadow, Host an Intern, Project-Based Collaboration, Conduct Mock Interviews or Skills Assessment
Robert Wells-Clark
Community College Instructor
Columbia Gorge Community College
Direct and coordinate manufacturing program.
Job description:
High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8)
Preferred audience:
Education & Training, Engineering, Manufacturing
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Guest Speaker, Virtual Guest Speaker, Host a School Group, Host Job Shadow, Host an Intern, Co-Teach a Lesson, Project-Based Collaboration
Jenny Anglin
Executive Director
Columbia Gorge Health Council
Health care and community health improvement
Job description:
High School (9-12)
Preferred audience:
Business, Health Science, Human Services, Management & Administration
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Career Fair Participation, Co-Teach a Lesson, Conduct Mock Interviews or Skills Assessment, Host Job Shadow, Host a School Group, Host an Intern, Participate in CTE Advisory Committee, Project-Based Collaboration, Virtual Guest Speaker
Addie Case
General Manager
Cousins Country Inn & Cousins Restaurant and Saloon
Culinary, customer service, business, marketing, finance, retail, management
Job description:
Elementary (K-5), High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8)
Preferred audience:
Agriculture, Business, Food & Natural Resources, Hospitality & Tourism, Management & Administration, Marketing, Sales & Service
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Career Fair Participation, Co-Teach a Lesson, Conduct Mock Interviews or Skills Assessment, Guest Speaker, Host Job Shadow, Host a School Group, Host an Intern, Participate in CTE Advisory Committee, Project-Based Collaboration
Questions?
Contact Kate Wurster: kwurster@cgesd.k12.or.us