Rep. Salinas Celebrates Securing $850,000 for Sheridan Career Technical Education Center

Sheridan, OR - On Friday, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) joined former Governor Barbara Roberts, State Representative David Gomberg, Sheridan Mayor Cale George, and Sheridan School District Superintendent Dorie Vickery to celebrate $850,000 in federal Community Project Funding that she secured for the Barbara Roberts Career Technical Education Center (BRCTEC) in Sheridan. The funding will be used to construct facilities that offer career technical education to underserved rural communities.

"Where somebody lives should never limit what they can achieve," said Rep. Salinas. "For too long, Oregon's rural communities have been asked to do more with less. This funding helps change that by expanding access to hands-on training that leads directly to high-skill, high-wage jobs. I am proud to have secured this investment and excited to see the doors it will open for people across Yamhill and Polk counties."

"Federal funding for the Barbara Roberts CTEC is an important step towards preparing rural Yamhill and Polk County students for high-skill, high-wage technical careers in programs that inspire interest in education, equip students with relevant skills, and generate growth in our rural communities," said Sheridan School District Superintendent Dorie Vickery.

The Barbara Roberts Career Technical Education Center in Sheridan is designed to expand access to quality workforce training for both students and adults pursuing in-demand technical careers. The BRCTEC will offer the following pathways: Diesel Tech & Truck Driving; Fire Science & EMT; Manufacturing; and Agribusiness. The center aims to serve as a regional hub by partnering with surrounding rural school districts as well as local businesses and organizations.

Building on earlier state investments to secure a site, purchase equipment, and begin program development, federal Community Project Funding will move the project closer to a permanent facility while supporting a regional model to use existing educational spaces to offer hands-on career learning as early as fall 2026.

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