VOLUME 5.2 WINTER 2024
Beyond the Classroom: MHCC Alumni Thriving as Entrepreneurs
learn.mhcc.edu
Table of Contents 01
Welcome
02
Beyond the Classroom: MHCC Alumni Thriving as Entrepreneurs in Food, Design, and Healthcare
08
MHCC Ranks Fourth in WalletHub’s Top 25 Community Colleges
10
Finding Your Groove: Tap and Belly Dancing Classes at MHCC
12
MHCC Offering Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
14
Faces of Our Strategic Plan: Jessica Bitar
16
Winter and Spring Art Events
17
Winter Athletic Events
18
Fall Classes 2023
19
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
21
Give Local
Dear Community Member, As the holiday season approaches, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible community we have here at MHCC. Our college is not just a place of learning; it’s a place of warmth, unity, and togetherness. In a world facing many challenges, it is heartening to witness the empathy that we share. I want to extend my warmest wishes to all of you during this time of year. The holidays are a time for us to honor and embrace each other’s backgrounds and stories. It’s a time for compassion, unity, and giving, and I am always inspired by the spirit of inclusivity and solidarity within our MHCC community. During this season, as we gather with loved ones, share stories, and enjoy the festivities, let us also reflect on the importance of diversity, equity, and the celebration of our differences. These values are at the heart of our college’s mission, and they shine brightly in the diverse tapestry of our students and community members. In this issue of College plus Community, you’ll read about some of our amazing current and former students. We also have some exciting events coming up including student art shows, plays, and sports events. We offer an array of community education courses to help you keep your new year’s goals by trying a new hobby or staying fit through dance. Also, we are sharing some exciting updates regarding a new cybersecurity program and our new website that is coming very soon. May the holiday season bring you peace, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. As we look forward to the new year, let us support each other, learn together, and build a stronger, more equitable community. Thank you for your ongoing support for MHCC – Your Community’s College.
Sincerely, Dr. Lisa Skari, MHCC president
College plus Community: Winter 2024
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Beyond the Classroom: MHCC Alumni Thriving as Entrepreneurs in Food, Design, and Healthcare Meet graduates from Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) who are now successful business owners. Ranging from launching a line of allergen free Haitian cuisine food products to starting a prominent marketing studio to being the owner of a well-respected chiropractic practice, read on to learn how they got to where they are today and their advice for anyone who is looking to start their own business.
Elsy Dinvil: From Haiti to Entrepreneurship in Healthy Haitian Cuisine Before Elsy Dinvil was the owner of the thriving business Creole Me Up, she was a student at MHCC with a deep passion for Haitian cuisine. Born and raised in Jérémie, Haiti, Dinvil’s journey led her to the US with a full 2
scholarship in 1991, where she studied food science technology at MHCC. Adapting to a new country, language, and educational system was not without its challenges. Dinvil recalls her first days at MHCC as she arrived from her tropical homeland. “My first days at Mt. Hood Community College was frightening because I came from a tropical country. I remember long days of learning English and then when everyone was hot because it was the summer, I was still cold because in Haiti the weather was like 100 some degrees,” Dinvil said, “It was so much work to learn a foreign language and study chemistry… the professors kind of like took us under their wings so that we could move on.” Despite the cultural and climatic differences, she stuck with it, taking classes in English as a Mt. Hood Community College
second language, chemistry, geometry, and other subjects. Her education in food science technology gave her the knowledge and skills, which would prove vital in her later career in culinary arts. Dinvil’s path took a turn when she returned to Haiti after completing her studies at MHCC. For six years, she worked with prominent organizations such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE)-Haiti. Her life took a turn when she began having severe digestive issues, leading to a colon surgery. Her time through illness and healing sparked a passion for learning the profound connection between food and health. This event became a huge reason she started her business, Creole Me Up, which launched
in 2017. The core mission of her business is to provide chemical and allergen-free, plant-based products with rich flavors, offering a healthier alternative in the kitchen while staying true to her Haitian roots, culture, and background. In the early days of her business,
Dinvil faced money problems and lack of housing. “In 2017, when I started, I didn’t have any money from my struggles with food allergies and health issues. I was struggling a lot, getting kicked out of people’s houses because I couldn’t pay rent, sleeping in my car a few times, cleaning up in libraries around town because I was so broke,” Dinvil said. A turning point came when she crossed paths with Jaime Soltero, the owner of the food truck and catering business Tamale Boy. He recognized Dinvil’s passion and hard work, and offered her support and mentorship. Through his help, Dinvil found herself in his kitchen, learning College plus Community: Winter 2024
the ins and outs of the culinary industry and kick-starting her own business. Dinvil’s journey from Haiti to entrepreneurship shows her unwavering commitment to her dream. Her story has shaped her views on entrepreneurship. Her advice to aspiring business owners is rooted in the wisdom she has gained over the years. “What I would tell people is you don’t have to have everything figured out, things will change and you need to be flexible when the changes happen.” Visit Creole Me Up’s website to learn more about their products.
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Shauna Haider: Designing Her Dream Life
meeting with a four-year school in Portland that went poorly, so she turned to MHCC. “I called MHCC to see if I could get into their program for Shauna Haider’s decision to graphic design and the head of attend MHCC was rooted in her the department was like ‘we can goal to avoid student loan debt. get you in it’s not a problem’ and She attended the college not she was so nice and welcoming once but three times, pursuing a and that’s kind of the energy I general transfer degree, taking a felt the whole time I was there,” marketing class, and eventually Haider said. earning a graphic design degree, Her time at MHCC was marked which laid the groundwork for by supportive instructors and her career. fast-paced, clear course work. When Haider, who is now a Her graphic design instructor, successful entrepreneur and Christina Maier, played a founder of a prominent brand central role in guiding her and studio, We Are Branch, decided to connecting her with her first go for a design degree, she had a internship, setting her on a path 4
Mt. Hood Community College
to success. “It just felt like they actually wanted to help me get the experience I needed as quickly as possible and get me on my way and get me a job,” Haider said. Haider started blogging in 2001, sharing her design work as her skills grew. Her instructor, Maier, helped her find her way in the world of freelancing, and gave her advice even beyond the formal program. Haider’s early freelance work included a massive project for Virgin Records, which funded her second year of classes. This early success gave her a taste of what she could do in the design world. “That was a really big deal just to
have something I designed like in every record store in Portland,” Haider said. Along with the support of the MHCC staff, the absence of huge student debt provided her with a solid base to launch her career. She credits the low cost, ease of attending college close to home, and a fast-paced program for enabling her to start her business much sooner than others who may have been burdened with student loan debt. While Haider’s journey has been marked by many wins, she didn’t escape the trials faced by many entrepreneurs. In the early days, she admits that she didn’t look closely enough at the money, stating she wished she had hired a professional accountant sooner. Client issues and a lack of experience were also part of
her learning curve. But, as Haider stresses, entrepreneurship is never easy. She feels that the key is seeing it through, saying, “If it was easy, everybody would do it.” To people who want to start their own businesses, Haider offers helpful advice. First, she suggests taking classes in business or marketing to learn basic business concepts. Second, she thinks students should stay in close contact with their program teachers, as these mentors often have connections in the industry. Over the years, Haider has reached many goals, from working with Virgin Records to designing Forever 21’s blog and being featured in design books and magazines. Looking to the future, she has really narrowed in on where she wants to direct her efforts. College plus Community: Winter 2024
“I’m definitely 100% focused going forward on brand strategy and brand identity... helping female-founded business really step it up is where I want to focus,” Haider said. For Haider, success means having freedom. It means living life on her terms and having financial freedom, creative freedom, and the freedom to define her path in life. She believes it’s about having the exact life and business she desires and being genuinely excited about the work being done. “To me, success is getting to define your life on your own terms and not having to answer to anybody.” Visit We Are Branch’s website to learn more about their branding services.
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Dr. Stephanie Tolonen: Changing Lives Through Chiropractic Care Dr. Stephanie Tolonen is the owner of Active Oregon Chiropractic and an MHCC alumnus. Her journey from being a college student trying to decide where to go in life to becoming a thriving chiropractic physician and business owner is a testament to the value of flexibility and hard work. Born and raised in Portland, Dr. Tolonen enrolled at MHCC in 2004, where she eventually obtained an Associate of Art degree. Her time at MHCC allowed her to explore many fields of study, from criminal justice and psychology to 6
sociology and anatomy. “All of those topics played a role in who I am today, from fueling my curiosity with people and how they operate to how to better serve them as a provider,” Dr. Tolonen said. While at MHCC, a vital moment came when she took a career and life planning class. This course helped her realize that a career in health care was the right fit for her. She also began to wonder if entrepreneurship was part of that direction. “I wanted to have a flexible schedule for when or if I started a family, get to work for myself, and create a space where I felt really comfortable and happy,” Dr. Tolonen said. After leaving MHCC, Dr. Tolonen continued her studies at Portland State University with a focus on health studies and a pre-physical therapy track, but her plans changed when she remained on the wait list and didn’t get into physical therapy school. Around this time, she and her Mt. Hood Community College
husband were hit by a drunk driver in their car and both of them needed care for their injuries. He chose to see a chiropractor and eventually convinced her to see one too, which led her to see the benefits of chiropractic care, and offered her a new view on her career path. “It was really eye-opening to me to see that a lot of the appeal I had of the physical therapy realm was also offered by the chiropractic realm,” Dr. Tolonen said. This moment marked a turning point in her career, and she has not looked back since. But this journey was not without its challenges. Dr. Tolonen recalls having an identity crisis when she graduated from University of Western States with her Doctor of Chiropractic. The change from being a student to practicing health care brought up a lot fears and stress, particularly about venturing into the business side of her profession. She was faced
with issues of where to start the process like creating intake forms, learning insurance processes, and billing. The big concern was how to get exposure and finding patients in the real world. “There were some days where that fear almost kind of debilitated me,” Dr. Tolonen said. After seeing patients out of her house to keep costs low and shadowing a few local chiropractic clinics, Dr. Tolonen set up shop and started to get the hang of owning her own practice. She shared some words of advice for people who may be on the verge of starting their own businesses. “First of all, and maybe most importantly, is having a solid system of support. You will need that help in your journey... The other thing is being comfortable asking questions. No one is good at everything and it’s okay to ask for help, you can never know too much,” Dr. Tolonen said. Since starting her practice in 2013, Dr. Tolonen has earned more certifications to expand her knowledge and the range of services she offers. She won the Best Healthcare Award in Oregon City in 2017. Another big milestone for her has been adding more providers to her team, and getting to buy her practice’s building which was finalized in late 2023.
“I will not have to move again and that is huge moment for me because I feel a lot of anxiety thinking about that ‘what ifs’ like ‘what if my lease goes up? What if I have to move? How am I going to deal with changing my address with the insurances? How is a move going to impact patients?’” Dr. Tolonen said. “I feel very fortunate to not have to worry about that anymore. I have a lot to celebrate and I feel very grateful.” Dr. Tolonen also said she is thankful that her classes and teachers at MHCC led her down the best career path for her. “I had a lot of gratitude for the career and life planning class because I don’t think I would’ve been able to sort through that list of possibilities of ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’ without it,” Dr. Tolonen said. For people who are looking College plus Community: Winter 2024
to start their own business, Dr. Tolonen advised them to keep an open mind on what success may look like for them, and not to give up if things go wrong. “Success is defined very differently for everyone at different stages of our lives. Your definition of success can change as you grow, and it should. At this point, success is what provides me fulfillment and happiness,” Dr. Tolonen said, “Your mindset of how you look at setbacks and failures might need to change and I had to use these things as learning experiences. Having a learning and solutions mindset for a business owner and anyone new to the entrepreneurial world is really helpful.” Visit Active Oregon Chiropractic’s website to learn more about their services. 7
MHCC Ranks Fourth in WalletHub’s Top 25 Community Colleges Community colleges have long been the unsung heroes of higher education, providing accessibility, affordability, and opportunities for students. They have also been criticized for high dropout rates and limited upward transfer success. Despite this, a recent study by WalletHub has shed light on the efforts of these colleges, and among them, Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) 8
stood out. In WalletHub’s ranking of 668 member institutions in the American Association of Community Colleges, MHCC was ranked fourth in their list of the top 25 community colleges. This highlights how the college provides students with schooling they can afford and that will help them build great careers. WalletHub, a financial analysis and ranking platform, measured 668 community colleges across Mt. Hood Community College
the US using 19 metrics. These metrics were sorted into three groups: cost and financing, education outcomes, and career outcomes. WalletHub assigned the same weight to all three groups when deciding the rankings. Community colleges are known for their low cost, and MHCC meets this standard. The college’s focus on providing lowcost schooling, combined with
The college provides quality education and ensures that students gain the skills and knowledge needed for their future careers. financial aid and scholarship programs, lessens the burden on students. MHCC’s strong performance in education outcomes is one more key aspect highlighted in the study. The college provides quality education and ensures that students gain the skills and knowledge needed for their future careers. The college’s committed faculty and robust programs have led to this outcome, helping students build a strong foundation. The career outcomes of students are a main concern for many
working toward college degrees. WalletHub recognized that MHCC has worked hard to in prepare students for their future careers. By providing students with skills and knowledge that can be used in the workforce, the college helps them secure stable and rewarding employment opportunities. “Mt. Hood Community College is deeply committed to our mission of providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to our students. This achievement underscores our dedication to helping College plus Community: Winter 2024
our students build successful careers, and it exemplifies the potential of community colleges nationwide to make an impact in higher education,” Mt. Hood Community College President Dr. Lisa Skari said. As community colleges gain more and more recognition, they are poised to play an even larger role student’s paths in life, meeting the growing demand for education that is both costeffective and career-focused.
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Tap dance students from Kim Miller’s class.
Finding Your Groove: Tap and Belly Dancing Classes at MHCC Dance, as an art form, has the power to connect people from different backgrounds through movement. At Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC), students have the opportunity to bond with community members while learning tap and belly dancing. The heart of these community education dance classes is instructor Kim Miller. Miller, MHCC’s community education dance instructor, started her journey into the world of dance in an offbeat way. “I got into dance because I was terrible at sports, always the last one picked on the team, the one that ‘ruined the game for everybody,’” said Miller. She found her love for dance at the University of Iowa when she 10
took classes to fulfill her physical education requirements. That’s when the magic happened. “When I was tap dancing, I can remember very, very clearly, it dawned on me: I am making music with my feet, and I can control it,” she shares. It was this moment that sparked Miller’s passion for tap dance. She went on to study its history and attend tap dance festivals to learn from the best. For belly dancing, Miller’s inspiration came from watching dancer Marie Wilkes, whose stage name is Maleeha. “I was totally mesmerized by her, and I wanted to learn how to move the way she was moving because it was just beautiful and mysterious,” Miller said. When teaching, Miller follows a Mt. Hood Community College
structured approach, with warmups, drills, and choreography. For tap dance, the focus on technique helps students build a deep understanding of timing and musicality. In contrast, belly dance classes include core workouts and full-body movements. Miller’s classes cater to a range of students, from beginners to advanced dancers. In tap dance, there are separate classes for beginners and continuing students, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Belly dance classes also adjust for students with varying levels of experience. Miller strives to meet her students where they’re at so that everyone can learn and grow. Miller wants her students to
Belly dance students practicing in class.
ask questions and talk to her if they’re not getting something. She wants to create a class that helps students feel at ease, no matter their skill level. Miller has witnessed many success stories among her students including one older woman who struggled with balance issues at first. Through Miller’s teaching, the student’s balance improved greatly over the course of three terms. The student’s progress not only enhanced her tap-dancing skills but also improved her daily life. Another one of Miller’s students started taking her tap dance classes when he was just 15 years old and is now studying at a respected dance school. In another instance, a student who had never belly danced before fell so in love with it that she joined the Portland Bellydance Guild and ended up losing weight and having more
energy as a result of the classes. Both tap and belly dancing offer many physical and mental health benefits. These dance forms can enhance memory, build strength, and promote fitness. In the case of tap dance, the complex patterns and steps aid in memory retention. The need to balance on one leg or control specific foot movements helps build strength and balance. Further, the rhythmic nature of tap dance engages the mind and body at the same time. Belly dancing offers a holistic physical experience. It targets core muscles and flexibility, promoting spinal health. Regular engagement in belly dancing can improve fitness and help manage weight. Many students have had very positive remarks for Miller’s classes: “Kim is amazing. She’s so supportive and kind, as well as an College plus Community: Winter 2024
amazing dancer. I really enjoy her classes and her as a person. She’s so patient.” “I like how the instructor tells her experience of when she was learning tap. Makes everybody feel more comfortable knowing at one time she was just like us.” “Kim is an excellent teacher. She is so upbeat and makes learning fun.” For those thinking about joining one of these dance classes, Miller’s advice is simple yet powerful “Try it. You might discover something that enriches your life on multiple levels.” The classes are welcoming to students of all backgrounds and skill levels, ensuring that everyone can embark on a dance journey that may very well change their lives. Check out all of MHCC’s community education classes online. 11
MHCC cybersecurity faculty with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek
MHCC Offering Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is proud to announce a groundbreaking opportunity for aspiring cybersecurity professionals in Oregon. Beginning fall 2024, MHCC will offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in cybersecurity, becoming the sole community college in the state to offer this program. In response to the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity experts, MHCC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in cybersecurity is designed to give students the hands-on training and knowledge needed to secure the 12
digital landscape. This program opens doors to many career paths that pay well and are on track to grow in demand. MHCC President Dr. Lisa Skari stated, “We are thrilled to offer this program in at Mt. Hood Community College. With the increasing importance of cybersecurity in our interconnected world, we are committed to providing our students with a great education that will help them become leaders in this field.” The program covers a wide range of cybersecurity topics, ensuring that students are prepared Mt. Hood Community College
for the challenges of the field. Students will: • Learn the basics of cybersecurity, mastering the methods necessary to secure digital assets. • Gain the skills needed to manage an organization’s cybersecurity requirements. • Receive training in secure programming to create robust and software. • Have the chance to compete in national cybersecurity competitions, gaining handson experience. MHCC’s cybersecurity faculty, including Katrinia McNeal, Jeff
Applied Science in cybersecurity is designed to give students the handson training and knowledge needed to secure the digital landscape. This program opens doors to many career paths that pay well and are on track to grow in demand. Sperley, and Dr. Wayne Machuca, attended the signing of the HB2049 cybersecurity bill by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek on Sept. 27, 2023. This bill marks a step in the state’s commitment to cybersecurity education. The HB2049 bill creates a Cybersecurity Center of Academic Excellence, an effort between the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Portland State University, and MHCC. This program will strengthen Oregon’s status as a leader in cybersecurity training and research. The bill also creates the Mt. Hood Community College Scholarship Fund to help community college cybersecurity students cover the cost of certification exams. MHCC is dedicated to helping students gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in cybersecurity. College plus Community: Winter 2024
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Faces of Our Strategic Plan: Jessica Bitar For Jessica Bitar, the United States has always meant the promise of a brighter future. In September 2018, that promise became a reality when her family moved from Kuwait to the US, embarking on a new chapter in their lives. Originally from Syria, Bitar’s family moved to Kuwait when Bitar was very young for her father’s work and she lived there for 14 years. “I went to school there, it was 14
pretty great,” Bitar said, “But since we were immigrants in Kuwait as well, we weren’t able to stay there forever because my dad was the only one working and he wouldn’t be able to work after a certain age.” Faced with the looming threat of unemployment due to the terms of her father’s visa, Bitar’s parents had to find somewhere else to live. They planned to move back to Syria in 2010 to be near their extended family again and even Mt. Hood Community College
bought a house there. Their plans were derailed when war broke out in Syria in 2011. Bitar and her family soon learned the house they bought in Syria had been destroyed as a result of the conflict and a lot of people there began fleeing to safer places. “We never ended up moving to Syria, my dad would’ve loved for us to live there but it just never happened,” Bitar said. The Bitar family’s future was very unclear at that point as poverty
became a very real possibility with her dad soon unable to work in Kuwait. “We knew we had to leave Kuwait but we didn’t know where we were going. Things were very hard for my dad because he was the one providing for my family and at some point he was going to lose his job and things would’ve been bad,” Bitar said. In the background, Bitar’s uncle had started the process that would allow them to join him in the US. “We had always wanted to come to the US but we didn’t know if it was going to happen because not a lot of people get this opportunity,” Bitar said. In 2018, their wait was over, and the Bitar family gained entry to the US. Finally, Bitar and her family were able to start making their dreams happen. “I knew that coming here would’ve been a better future for me. It wasn’t just more career opportunities, I was very excited to see my family and happy that I knew people here and that I wasn’t completely alone,” Bitar said. Along with all of this hope for her future in a new country came a healthy dose of fear and doubt. “It was totally different for me— different language, different
people, I was going to come to a whole new school where I barely knew anybody there I didn’t know how things were going to go.” One of the major hurdles Bitar faced was adapting to the American educational system. As a freshman in high school, she found herself grappling with both the demands at school and learning how to
“Never give up no matter how hard things get because it will get better in the future. Do what you love and follow your dreams.” -Jessica Bitar speak English. Despite these challenges, Bitar finished high school and enrolled at Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC). She chose to pursue a career in finance, drawn to the fact that she could work almost anywhere. Bitar worked at the MHCC advising center last year, managing meetings and aiding students, a job she very much enjoyed. “I got to know more about the school and how things work here and it was an honor to work with the advisors,” Bitar College plus Community: Winter 2024
said. Although Bitar is very busy with her studies this year, she still values family time and spends time with them in the evening. Bitar deeply admires her parents, who spent years worrying and working to bring her to the US. “I look up to both my parents. They brought me to this country and they’ve worked very hard for me and now I’m hoping to return the favor and work hard to hopefully make them proud,” Bitar said. Bitar is in her second year at MHCC and she plans to transfer to Portland State University (PSU) in the fall of 2024 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance. After earning degree at PSU, Bitar has a few paths she may take, such as earning a master’s or doctorate degree, becoming a professor at a college, or working in a large firm. When asked what advice she’d give to people who are new to the US, Bitar talked about how vital it is to stay the course and not give up. “Never give up no matter how hard things get because it will get better in the future,” Bitar said, “Do what you love and follow your dreams.”
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Winter and Spring Art Events at Mt. Hood Community College Blinking Stupidly Art Exhibit by Nathaniel Praska Exhibit Open Jan. 8 – 29 | Artist Reception Jan. 11, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Contemporary Prints by Print Arts Northwest Artists Exhibit Open Feb. 5 – 26 | Artist Reception Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Winter Musical Theatre Production: “Be More Chill” Feb. 23, 24, March 1, 2 at 7 p.m., Feb. 25 and March 3 at 2 p.m.
Nature, Once Removed
by David Cohen, Lisa Conway, and Nancy Helmsworth Exhibit Open March 4 - 28 | Artist Reception March 7, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Auditions: “Everybody”
Free
MHCC Art Gallery Free
College Theatre $15 General Admission
MHCC Art Gallery Free
Studio Theatre
March 12 and 13 at 5 p.m.
N/A
High School Art Exhibit
MHCC Art Gallery
Exhibit Open April 8 – 26 | Artist Reception April 11, Time TBD
MHCC Visual Arts Students Art Exhibit
Free
MHCC Art Gallery
Exhibit Open May 6 - 31 | Artist Reception May 9, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Spring Theatre Production: “Everybody” May 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7 p.m., May 19 at 2 p.m.
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MHCC Art Gallery
Free
Studio Theatre $10 General Admission
Mt. Hood Community College
Winter Athletic Events at Mt. Hood Community College Dec. 16 4:15 p.m.
Men’s Basketball
VS
Treasure Valley Community College
Dec. 17 2:15 p.m.
Men’s Basketball
VS
Skagit Valley Community College
Jan. 3 5:30 p.m.
Men’s and Women’s Basketball
VS
Chemeketa Community College
Jan. 13 2 p.m.
Men’s and Women’s Basketball
VS
Linn Benton Community College
Jan. 13, 20, 21 and 28
Catholic Youth Organization Championship Swim Meet
Jan. 17 5:30 p.m.
Men’s and Women’s Basketball
VS
Clark College
Jan. 24 5:30 p.m.
Men’s and Women’s Basketball
VS
Portland Community College
Feb. 3 2 p.m.
Men’s and Women’s Basketball
VS
Lane Community College
Feb. 7 5:30 p.m.
Men’s and Women’s Basketball
VS
Clackamas Community College
Feb. 17 2 p.m.
Men’s and Women’s Basketball
VS
Umpqua Community College
Feb. 19 TBD
Men’s and Women’s Basketball
VS
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Feb. 24 and 25
Blue Crush Water Polo Tournament
College plus Community: Winter 2024
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Winter Term 2024 Degree and certificate programs are offered online, in-person, or a mix of both. FULLY ONLINE IN-PERSON
PROGRAM/DISCIPLINE Adult Basic Education and GED
MIX
ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS? YES
Apprenticeship
Limited Entry
Athletic Team Classes
YES
Automotive: Mopar CAP/Import/Subaru
YES
Automotive: Ford Asset
YES
Business Management: Accounting
YES
Business Management: Accounting Assistant
YES
Business Management: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
YES
Business Management: Marketing and Sales
YES
Business Management: Mobile App Development and Marketing
YES
Early Childhood Education and Family Studies
YES
Community Education
YES
Computer Game and Mobile App Programmer
YES
Computer Game Development
YES
Computer Information Systems (CIS)
YES
Cybersecurity
YES
Dental Hygiene
Restricted
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
YES
Engineering Technology
YES
Engineering Transfer
YES
English as a Second Language (ESL)
YES
Fisheries Technology
NO
Fitness Professional
YES
Funeral Service Education
Restricted
General Education and Electives
YES
Graphic Design
NO
Health and Physical Education (HPE)
YES
Human Development
YES
Integrated Metals: Machine Tool Technology
YES
Integrated Metals: Welding Technology
YES
Intensive English for College and Careers (IECC)
YES
Mathematics
YES
Mechatronics
YES
Medical Assistant
YES
Medical Office
YES
Mental Health, Social Service, and Addiction Counseling
YES
Music
YES
Natural Resources Technology
YES
Nursing
Limited Entry
Nursing Assistant 1
YES
Nursing Assistant 2 (CNA 2)
YES
Photography
NO
Physical Education
YES
Physical Therapist Assistant
Restricted
Respiratory Therapy
Restricted
Science Labs
YES
Surgical Technology
Restricted
Theatre
YES
Video
NO
Visual Arts
YES Program statuses are subject to change.
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Mt. Hood Community College
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Small Business, Big Ideas All it takes is a spark to ignite something big or even life-changing. Are you a visionary with an entrepreneurial spirit who thinks outside of the box? The small business development center (SBDC) can provide you with the support you need to succeed with free business consulting or at-cost training. Email or call us at 503-491-7658 today to schedule your first appointment. Starting Your Business
Bookkeeping and QuickBooks
Marketing
How to Start Your Business
QuickBooks Shutting you Down?
WebMentor: Complete Business
Jan. 17 or Mar. 20, 6-8 p.m., $29
Jan. 9 or Feb. 6 or Mar. 5
Website in Six Short Sessions
Zoom meeting
9-10:30 am, $35
Once you register, you will receive login
Zoom meeting
information
Small Business Foundations
$225
Jan. 31-Mar. 6, 6-7 p.m., $79
Introduction to QuickBooks Online
Zoom meeting
Jan. 23 or Mar. 12, 9 - 11 a.m., $75 Zoom meeting
Business Plan Bootcamp
Available on demand What’s Missing in Your Website and Social Media
Once you register, you will receive login
QuickBooks Online Master Course
Jan. 16, 1-3 p.m., $60
information. $70
Jan. 30 and Feb. 1, 9-11 a.m., $199
SBDC Office
Available on demand
Zoom meeting Starting Your Facebook Business
Real Estate Broker Pre-License
QuickBooks Desktop/Enterprise
Page
Jan.-Mar. 14
Bootcamp 1
Feb. 13, 1-3 p.m., $60
Thursdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., $600
Feb. 20 and 22, 9-11 a.m., $180
SBDC Office
Zoom meeting
Zoom meeting Facebook Marketing Made EZ: Six
Property Manager Pre-License Course
QuickBooks Desktop/Enterprise
Tips Used by The Pros
Jan. 16-Mar. 14
Bootcamp 2
Mar. 5, 1-3 p.m., $60
Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., $600
Feb. 27 and 29, 9-11 a.m., $180
SBDC Office
Zoom meeting
Zoom meeting Get Found on Google: Five SEO
Seminars and Workshops
Secrets Used by the Pros
Visit the small business course catalog to register.
Mar. 19, 1-3 p.m., $60
You must register for classes a minimum of 72 hours before the start date.
SBDC Office
College plus Community: Winter 2024
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GIVE LOCAL Your Generosity, Their Dreams: MHCC Scholarship Support Shapes Tomorrow Sehoya was raised by a single mother who struggled with addiction and mental illness. While she was forced to grow up young, she found strength in caring for her mother and herself. By 16, she was on her own, living with families who could take her in. “I was influenced to work hard and stay driven to be successful,” Sehoya explained. “I learned to financially support myself, become independent, and deal with adversity. I learned it was important not to dwell on the things I have gone through, but to grow from these experiences.”
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With the help of a Mt. Hood Community College Foundation scholarship, Sehoya recently graduated last spring with an associate degree in dental hygiene. “I’m beyond appreciative to have been selected for the scholarship. It meant the world to me! The scholarship gave me the confidence that hard work does pay off. It took some of the financial burdens off my shoulders,” she said. Great job, Sehoya and good luck as a dental hygienist.
Mt. Hood Community College
“The scholarship gave me the confidence that hard work does pay off.” -Sehoya
Your Community’s College Needs
YOU
At Mt. Hood Community College, we’re not just a place of learning. We’re the heartbeat of your community, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for positive change.
We’re deeply rooted in the communities we serve, and we believe in the incredible potential that resides in our own backyard. We are a gateway to brighter futures, and we invite you to join us on this inspiring journey in writing the success stories of our community.
We firmly believe that supporting students today is an investment in our community’s tomorrow. It’s not just a scholarship—it’s an investment in the future of Gresham, Portland, and Oregon.
HELP US SHAPE TOMORROW mhcc.edu/foundation The MHCC Foundation is a nonprofit supporting student success at Mt. Hood Community College.
Mt. Hood Community College promotes non-discrimination by maintaining a respectful working and learning environment free of all forms of discrimination and harassment. It is against district policy for any manager, supervisor, faculty, staff or student to engage in discrimination of any member of the college community based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, gender, marital status, disability or sexual orientation in its programs and activities. The College shall comply with all local, state and federal laws with regard to non-discrimination as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Oregon Revised Statute 659A. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policy, contact: Traci Simmons, Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator; Traci.Simmons@mhcc.edu; 26000 SE Stark St., Gresham, OR, 97030; 503-491-7009.
