New Facility Would Greatly Expand Career and Technical Education Opportunities for Rural Students
March 18, 2024: Portland, OR – Today, Hampton Lumber announced a $1 million donation to the Sheridan School District to assist in development of the Barbara Roberts Career Technical (CTE) Center in Sheridan, OR.
The planned 24,000 square-foot facility will offer hands-on training opportunities to high school students in Sheridan and the surrounding school districts. There is great disparity in CTE opportunities across Oregon and rural schools are underserved despite growing demand for such programming. This collaborative, regional CTE program will help local students build important skills and connect to well-paying jobs in and around their communities.
The center will support training in Fire Science, Diesel Tech and Truck Driving, Manufacturing Technology and Agribusiness. Hampton’s contribution will allow Sheridan School District to finish construction of the fire tower and commence demolition of the existing structure to make way for construction.
Sheridan School District is planning to develop the center in a phased approach, starting with programs for Firefighting/EMT Training and Diesel Tech with Truck Driving. All CTE programs will include instruction on post-secondary opportunities through community colleges, universities, trade schools and apprenticeships. Students will be able to earn some college credits while in high school, and then complete the industry certification requirements at the college level.
Hampton has operated the sawmill in nearby Willamina, OR since 1942. In addition to its mill in Willamina, Hampton also operates two other sawmills in Oregon in the communities of Tillamook and Warrenton.
“As a local manufacturer, we see great value in enhancing CTE opportunities for local youth,” said Hampton CEO, Randy Schillinger. “The Barbara Roberts CTE Center will provide unique access to training opportunities for rural students and give them the start they need to embark on meaningful careers in the forest products sector and other local industries.”
“Sheridan School District is grateful to Hampton Lumber for this large donation,” said Dorie Vickery, Superintendent Sheridan School District. “Our region needs financial support so that we can provide CTE learning opportunities and train up the future workforce. The generosity of Hampton Lumber, to recognize the value of this project, will impact the lives of our students for years to come.”
“The Career Technical Education facility being planned and constructed on Sheridan High School property will serve students, local businesses, and the future,” said Former Governor Barbara Roberts. “This generous donation by Hampton Lumber to this critical “hands-on” education opportunity, will be a game changer. The West Valley region will gain new jobs, expand local companies, and make for healthier and safer communities. I am so grateful for this major support from Hampton Lumber.”
“Getting this center built is going to be a community effort and we’re happy to be able to lend a hand,” said Schillinger.
“The District would like to thank Representative Gomberg, Representative Elmer, Chemeketa Community College, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners for their ongoing support of the project,” said Vickery.
About Hampton Lumber
Hampton Lumber is a fourth-generation, family-owned company headquartered in Portland, Oregon. With over 80 years in the sawmill business, Hampton operates sawmills in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia and markets wood products all over the world. Hampton also manages a wholesale and lumber export division and numerous reload and remanufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. All of Hampton’s forestlands are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), an independent, non-profit organization that promotes sustainable forest management. SFI certified forests play an important role in water conservation, wildlife habitat, and climate solutions.
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