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:
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Enrich classroom learning with authentic industry expertise
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Create interactive career exploration opportunities
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Strengthen awareness of essential employability skills
Kalie Brunton
Instructor
Columbia Gorge Community College
Instruct in semiconductor electronics, PLCs, and instrumentation/industrial automation.
Job description:
High School (9-12)
Preferred audience:
Education & Training
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Career Fair Participation, Co-Teach a Lesson, Conduct Mock Interviews or Skills Assessment, Host a School Group, Participate in CTE Advisory Committee, Project-Based Collaboration, Virtual Guest Speaker
Lorri Epstein
Science & Education Director
Columbia Riverkeeper
We educate and inspire people to learn about, monitor, and care for the Columbia River—and create opportunities for people to take action toward protecting clean water, salmon, and other species. We create opportunities for community and environmental connection through experiential hands-on engagement, offering solutions and avenues for change.
We provide engaging bilingual (Spanish and English) environmental education programming along the Columbia River to youth and young adults from Columbia River Gorge schools. We monitor water quality and share results with river users, and we increase access to careers in environmental science and education by creating opportunities for skilled learning and career development through paid internships.
Job description:
Elementary (K-5), High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8)
Preferred audience:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Science & Research
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Co-Teach a Lesson, Host a School Group, Host an Intern, Virtual Guest Speaker
Cara McNulty
Owner
Kiddie City
Multi-site child care facility owner
Job description:
Elementary (K-5), High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8)
Preferred audience:
Education & Training
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Career Fair Participation, Host Job Shadow, Host an Intern
Kelly DiGrazia
Recruiter
Please contact the STEM Hub for introduction.
NextEra Energy
Recruit wind, solar, and battery storage technicians
Job description:
High School (9-12)
Preferred audience:
Manufacturing
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Career Fair Participation, Guest Speaker
Lindsey Romano
Engagement Coordinator
Please contact the STEM Hub for introduction.
NextEra Energy
Academic engagement and workforce development, educational outreach.
Job description:
High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8)
Preferred audience:
Agriculture, Engineering, Food & Natural Resources
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Career Fair Participation, Co-Teach a Lesson, Guest Speaker, Participate in CTE Advisory Committee
Questions?
Contact Kate Wurster: kwurster@cgesd.k12.or.us