Treasure Valley Community College Announces Purchase of New Facility

New Advanced Energy and Trades Center to Expand Renewable Energy and Skilled Trades Programs

Ontario, OR - Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC) is pleased to announce the official purchase of a new facility located at 297 SW 19th Street in Ontario, Oregon, marking a significant milestone in the College's commitment to expanding academic and workforce development programs. The purchase was finalized on January 2, 2026, with TVCC's Executive Director of Legal and Operations, Anne Marie Kelso, facilitating the process. The building will serve as the future home of the Advanced Energy and Trades Center, made possible through funds appropriated by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC).

This strategic investment supports the growth of high-demand programs in Renewable Energy and Pre-Apprenticeship training, aligning with regional workforce needs and TVCC's dedication to economic and environmental sustainability. The Advanced Energy and Trades Center will feature modern labs, dedicated instructional spaces, and hands-on learning environments designed to prepare students for careers in emerging energy technologies and skilled trades. These programs will strengthen pathways into apprenticeships and careers while supporting industry partners across the region.

TVCC received approval from the office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD), in accordance with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) policy, for two new Career Pathway Certificates of Completion (CPCC). The HVAC Installer CPCC, aligned with the Facilities Maintenance Specialist AAS Degree, was approved on December 17, 2025. CCWD also approved the Energy Systems Maintenance CPCC, a credential embedded within the Advanced Energy Systems AAS Degree. These are going to be submitted to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) for final approval. These approvals reflect the College's ongoing commitment to expanding workforce pathways that respond to regional industry needs and support student success in high‑demand technical careers.

"We are very excited about the new programs developed by Jackie Koehler, TVCC's Electrical Apprenticeship Coordinator," said Sandy Porter, Vice President of Academic Affairs." Jackie has been instrumental in the process of acquiring the new building and developing programs.  We are excited to launch two new Associate of Applied Science degrees: Advanced Energy Systems and Facilities Maintenance Specialist.  In addition, we plan to expand our offerings to meet the needs of our workforce partners through pre-apprenticeship and trades training in the coming year."

Following the purchase, TVCC's Physical Plant team, under the direction of Plant Facilities Manager, Vern Davis, began preparing the facility for academic use, including initial cleaning, site improvements, and infrastructure updates in collaboration with the City of Ontario. Planning for instructional use is underway, and additional details including timelines, program offerings, and opportunities for community engagement will be shared in the coming months.

"This new facility represents a bold investment in the future of our students and our region," said Dr. Dana Young, President of TVCC." By expanding programs in renewable energy and skilled trades, we are creating pathways to family-wage careers and supporting industries that drive economic growth. This is a win for our students, our employers, and our communities, and we look forward to welcoming our community later this spring as we open the doors to TVCC's new Advanced Energy and Trades Center."

For more information about TVCC's programs and initiatives, visit www.treasurevalleycc.edu.

About Treasure Valley Community College
TVCC provides accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that empowers students and strengthens communities across rural Eastern Oregon, Southwest Idaho, and beyond. Since 1962, we have provided a supportive, personalized learning environment where students can reach their goals while contributing to the region's economic development. We connect students with direct career pathways, offer opportunities to build in-demand skills, and partner with local employers to align education with real-world workforce needs. Everything we do is guided by the belief that education should be within reach for everyone - and that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Contact:

Sandy Porter, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Treasure Valley Community College
Phone: 541-881-5590
Email: sporter@tvcc.cc