The House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss significant initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement and leadership within Oregon's higher education system. A key focus of the meeting was the introduction of an internship program designed to elevate student voices and provide opportunities for developing leadership and training skills.

During the session, representatives highlighted the importance of the Education Champions Program, which aims to build leadership skills among college students and promote civic engagement. This initiative stems from insights gained from a joint task force focused on underrepresented students in higher education. The goals outlined by the Oregon Council of Technical Education and Development (OCTED) include centering student experiences in policy-making, creating relevant new policies, and preparing students to engage in civic matters that affect their education.

The committee also discussed the advocacy efforts of OCTED, which recently held a retreat to identify key policies for the current legislative session. These policies, which include funding requests, are now under consideration by the Ways and Means Committee. The representatives expressed gratitude to Chair Hudson for allowing these policies to be presented to the committee, emphasizing the hope for favorable funding decisions.

Additionally, the meeting addressed pressing issues faced by students, such as food and housing insecurity. The insights from the task force have underscored the necessity of understanding the real experiences of students, which may differ from assumptions held by policymakers.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions reflect a commitment to improving higher education policies in Oregon by actively involving students in the decision-making process and addressing their immediate needs. The outcomes of the funding requests and policy advocacy will be closely monitored as the legislative session progresses.