Funding the Future: Springfield Chamber Foundation Awards $10k to Schools Advancing Career and Technical Education

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the awardees of the Springfield Chamber Foundation‘s 2025 Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant. With more than $10,000 awarded to support projects at four high schools across Lane County, the selection committee is optimistic about the programs’ potential to strengthen workforce readiness and job skills for local youth.

The Springfield Chamber Foundation’s CTE Grant Fund provides targeted support to help Lane County students build skills in high-demand fields. Grants cover costs such as tools, equipment, and program materials, with a focus on projects that offer long-term, hands-on learning opportunities.

“Career and Technical Education is one of the most effective ways we can prepare students for the workforce,” said Paige Walters, Senior Director of Advocacy and Economic Development for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “These programs give students hands-on experience, help them explore career pathways, and equip them with the essential skills that make them truly ‘WorkReady’ when they graduate.”

This year, the Foundation received eight applications totaling over $57,000 in requests. Following a robust review process, four high school projects were selected to receive $10,719.95 in funding, benefiting more than 500 students. Funded programs span diverse industries, including natural resources, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.

2025 CTE Grant Awards

North Eugene High School (in partnership with Thurston High School) – FIRST® Age: Uncover the Future with FIRST®
Awarded $1,000 | 20 students served
Funding supports participation in the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics program, providing hands-on experience in engineering, programming, teamwork, and event management. Students also co-host the league tournament with Thurston High School, building leadership and collaboration skills.

“Ultimately, participation in FIRST Tech Challenge and hosting the league tournament provides our CTE students with tangible, real-world experience that goes beyond theoretical learning… The project fosters innovation, critical thinking, and a strong work ethic, all of which are crucial for long-term success in any career.”

Siuslaw High School – Empowering Students through Wood Milling and Entrepreneurial Design
Awarded $2,000 | 100 students served
Students will use a new portable chainsaw mill and Stihl Magnum chainsaw to mill lumber and build products like benches and picnic tables. The program also integrates entrepreneurship by teaching students how to market and sell their creations to sustain future projects.

Cottage Grove High School – Beginning Industrial Automation
Awarded $7,000 | 20 students served initially, 45-50 in future years
Funding launches a new industrial automation class, preparing students with skills in PLC troubleshooting, industrial programming, and low-voltage wiring for in-demand careers in automation and engineering.

Pleasant Hill High School – AED Trainers for AHA/BLS/CPR Certification
Awarded $719.95 | 400 students served
Funding provides four new AED training units for CPR/AED certification instruction. All students at Pleasant Hill HS take a required Health class and will benefit from AED training. The equipment will also be used in American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification coursework for students pursuing healthcare careers.

Expanding Impact Across The Economy

The Chamber has a long history of investing in local schools and workforce programs, with past grants supporting career and technical education in Springfield classrooms. Today, the Springfield Chamber Foundation expands that commitment through a countywide CTE Fund that provides more resources, more reach, and more opportunities for students across Lane County.

This work is made possible by the generosity of Chamber Impact Investors and individual donors who share the vision of strengthening our region’s economy. Their contributions fuel the Chamber Foundation’s efforts across workforce and talent development, business advocacy, and business growth, ensuring measurable and lasting impact for the community.

About the Springfield Chamber Foundation

The Springfield Chamber Foundation is the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner, and your gateway to making a tax-deductible contribution that supports their economic development and community revitalization efforts. The Foundation is funded by their Impact Investors and through contributions from individuals and organizations committed to measurable, meaningful impact. Every dollar you contribute helps them uplift lives and create lasting economic opportunity in Springfield and the surrounding region.

Impact Investors
Community Partners: City of Springfield, Chambers Construction, Murphy Company
Tier 1 Investors: Lane Transit District, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, PeaceHealth, Olsson Industrial Electric, Sierra Pacific Foundation, Northwest Natural, Lane Community College
Tier 2 Investors: ASTEC Industries, Columbia Bank, Dry Pro LLC, Lane Professional Firefighters Association IAFF L851, Lane Workforce Partnership, Springfield Utility Board, Summit Bank, Ziply Fiber

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is an Oregon nonprofit with federal tax-exempt status. EIN: 86-2803373.