Oregon Tech receives $310k to continue expanding UX education and student access to industry tools | Oregon Tech
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:09
Oregon Tech receives $310k to continue expanding UX education and student access to industry tools | Oregon Tech
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Oregon Tech receives $310k to continue expanding UX education and student access to industry tools
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April 6, 2026
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 User Experience (UX) certificate programs. The grant was awarded through the Future Ready Oregon Workforce Ready Grant Round 3T: Technology program in 2024.
The supplemental funding will provide additional student scholarships, access to UX technologies, outreach, and faculty salary support for a two‑week summer program.
Oregon Tech’s UX certificate programs focus on
writing
,
research, and design
, with a curriculum that helps students understand how UX skills apply across many types of work—not just in traditional technology roles, but also in fields where UX skills complement existing expertise.
Skills developed through the program are relevant to a wide range of careers, including software development, information technology, engineering, instructional design, and education. The program is structured to support learners with varied professional backgrounds who want to expand their skill sets or explore new career options.
The additional funding will provide 66 scholarships for students enrolling in UX courses, covering full tuition and fees and helping remove cost barriers for individuals interested in building or strengthening skills.
Dr. Amber Lancaster
“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.”
In addition to scholarships, the funding provides students with access to professional UX tools commonly used in the field. These tools include software for eye‑tracking, usability testing, prototyping design, and user research.
Access to these technologies allows students to practice UX work using the same software they are likely to encounter in professional settings.
Beyond the grant funding, Dr. Lancaster also worked directly with several technology providers to extend student access beyond the funded period. Loop 11 and Figma agreed to provide six‑month access extensions for students, while Balsamiq offered an additional six weeks of access, allowing students to continue practicing and building portfolios after coursework concludes.
The UX certificate programs are open to a broad audience, including working professionals, career changers, and individuals looking to add UX skills to their current roles. Students enroll through Oregon Tech as non‑degree‑seeking students, allowing them to focus on targeted skill development without committing to a full degree program.
Students interested in participating should begin by
applying to Oregon Tech
or contact Dr. Lancaster at
amber.lancaster@oit.edu
.
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Skip to main content
Back
Oregon Tech receives $310k to continue expanding UX education and student access to industry tools
All Locations
April 6, 2026
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 User Experience (UX) certificate programs. The grant was awarded through the Future Ready Oregon Workforce Ready Grant Round 3T: Technology program in 2024.
The supplemental funding will provide additional student scholarships, access to UX technologies, outreach, and faculty salary support for a two‑week summer program.
Oregon Tech’s UX certificate programs focus on
writing
,
research, and design
, with a curriculum that helps students understand how UX skills apply across many types of work—not just in traditional technology roles, but also in fields where UX skills complement existing expertise.
Skills developed through the program are relevant to a wide range of careers, including software development, information technology, engineering, instructional design, and education. The program is structured to support learners with varied professional backgrounds who want to expand their skill sets or explore new career options.
The additional funding will provide 66 scholarships for students enrolling in UX courses, covering full tuition and fees and helping remove cost barriers for individuals interested in building or strengthening skills.
Dr. Amber Lancaster
“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.”
In addition to scholarships, the funding provides students with access to professional UX tools commonly used in the field. These tools include software for eye‑tracking, usability testing, prototyping design, and user research.
Access to these technologies allows students to practice UX work using the same software they are likely to encounter in professional settings.
Beyond the grant funding, Dr. Lancaster also worked directly with several technology providers to extend student access beyond the funded period. Loop 11 and Figma agreed to provide six‑month access extensions for students, while Balsamiq offered an additional six weeks of access, allowing students to continue practicing and building portfolios after coursework concludes.
The UX certificate programs are open to a broad audience, including working professionals, career changers, and individuals looking to add UX skills to their current roles. Students enroll through Oregon Tech as non‑degree‑seeking students, allowing them to focus on targeted skill development without committing to a full degree program.
Students interested in participating should begin by
applying to Oregon Tech
or contact Dr. Lancaster at
amber.lancaster@oit.edu
.
College of HAS
Professional writing
All Locations
Share
More from Oregon Tech
Media Relations
Find a faculty expert
Sports News
All Locations
April 8, 2026
Dean Neslihan Alp Appointed to ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Neslihan Alp, Ph.D.
Neslihan Alp, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering,…
read more
All Locations
April 6, 2026
Oregon Tech receives $310k to continue expanding UX education and student access to industry tools
Oregon Tech has received a $310,000 increase in its existing Workforce Ready Grant award from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) to…
read more
All Locations
April 1, 2026
Oregon Tech Participates in Oregon–Vietnam Bilateral Dialogue in San Francisco
Dean Alp and Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister
Neslihan Alp, Ph.D., Dean of the…
read more
Oregon Tech In The News
Oregon Tech receives $25k grant to expand Ready, Set, Innovate! program
February 11, 2025
- Herald and News
Read Article
Oregon Tech's Christopher Syrnyk elected vice president of the National Collegiate Honors Council
January 7, 2025
- Herald and News
Read Article
Students welcomed onto Oregon Tech’s campus for Ready, Set, Innovate
October 29, 2024
- KOBI-TV
Read Article
Heyneman inducted into honors program
October 23, 2024
- The Sheridan Press
Read Article
OMIC R&D Completes Student Summer Internship Program
October 21, 2024
- Manufacturing News
Read Article
Oregon Tech dedicates two new laboratories in Doctor of Physical Therapy program
October 18, 2024
- Herald and News
Read Article