Oregon Tech Awarded $310K to Expand UX Certificate Programs

NewsEducation

Apr 6

Funding supports scholarships, industry tools, and summer training for students and professionals

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Oregon Tech has received a $310,000 increase in its existing Workforce Ready Grant award from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) to continue support for its User Experience (UX) certificate programs.

The supplemental funding builds on a grant awarded through the Future Ready Oregon Workforce Ready Grant Round 3T: Technology program in 2024 and will provide additional student scholarships, expanded access to UX technologies, outreach efforts, and faculty salary support for a two-week summer program.

Oregon Tech’s UX certificate programs focus on writing, research, and design, with coursework designed to help students understand how UX skills apply across a wide range of professions. Program leaders say the curriculum is structured to support learners from diverse backgrounds, including those seeking to enhance current roles or transition into new careers.

Skills developed through the program are applicable to fields such as software development, information technology, engineering, instructional design, and education.

The additional funding will provide 66 scholarships covering full tuition and fees for students enrolling in UX courses. Officials say the scholarships are intended to remove cost barriers for individuals interested in building or strengthening UX skills.

“This funding helps us keep the program accessible while staying focused on practical learning,” said Amber Lancaster, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of Professional Writing at Oregon Tech. “Students are able to build UX skills through real projects and hands-on work.”

The grant also provides access to professional UX tools commonly used in the industry, including software for eye-tracking, usability testing, prototyping design, and user research. Officials say access to these tools allows students to gain experience with the same technologies used in professional environments.

In addition, Oregon Tech secured extended access to several platforms beyond the grant period. Loop 11 and Figma agreed to provide six-month access extensions for students, while Balsamiq offered an additional six weeks of access to support continued portfolio development after coursework concludes.

The UX certificate programs are open to working professionals, career changers, and individuals looking to add UX skills to their current roles. Students enroll as non-degree-seeking participants, allowing them to focus on targeted skill development without committing to a full degree program.

Students interested in participating can apply through Oregon Tech or contact program leadership for additional information.