Six months after opening its doors, the new learning center at Central Oregon Community College's Madras campus is already changing what's possible for Jefferson County students — and for the region's workforce.

The 24,000-square-foot facility, which cost $22 million to construct, opened officially in early 2026 after a community celebration on April 30. The 26 acres of land beneath it were donated to the college by the Bean Foundation, a significant local contribution that helped bring the project to life after years of planning.

What's Inside

The new building houses five program areas responding directly to community and employer needs:

  • Nursing — in partnership with St. Charles Health System
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) — also through the St. Charles partnership
  • Medical Assistant
  • Early Childhood Education — offered in both Spanish and English, in partnership with The Children's Learning Center
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) — for Madras High School students seeking early healthcare experience

"We are learning everything," said Meghan Drew, the CTE health sciences teacher at Madras High School and a registered nurse. "We have all of the supplies so that we can teach and make sure they're doing it correctly before we send them into the workforce."

Listening to the Community

Madras Campus Director James Rodriguez said the expansion was built on community input from the start. "The value is tremendous to the community. We are providing healthcare careers and opportunities for students to go right into the workforce," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez himself started his education at the original Madras COCC building, eventually earning an MBA — a trajectory he hopes students in the new facility will match.

Economic Impact

A recent COCC economic impact study found that the college generates $349 million annually for Central Oregon and supports one in every 41 jobs in the region. Students with an associate's degree from COCC earn, on average, $10,000 more per year than those with only a high school diploma.

The Madras campus has operated for 76 years, making it one of the college's longest-serving extended sites. The new facility represents the largest single investment in the campus in its history — and a concrete bet on Jefferson County's future workforce.

Regional Reach

COCC serves 10,000 square miles across five Central Oregon counties. The Madras campus is a critical access point for Jefferson County students who face significant barriers to attending the main Bend campus, including transportation, housing costs, and family obligations.

For more information on programs at the Madras campus, visit cocc.edu or contact the campus directly.