This rendering depicts the expansion of Central Oregon Community College's Madras campus.

Central Oregon Community College received $1 million from the JTMF Foundation to help create its long-planned Madras campus expansion in Jefferson County.

The funding will help the college develop a 24,000-square-foot building to house early childhood education programs, a child care center and an area for registered nurse and health career pathways. The project, set to break ground in 2024, will more than double the size of the Madras campus and create up to 100 new spots for child care in Jefferson County.

Construction costs for the project are estimated at $18 million, with 60% funded through federal, state and public resources.

JTMF Foundation is an Oregon-based company founded in 2020. It partners with organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest to improve the lives of children, veterans, seniors and those with disabilities.

COCC’s Madras expansion is intended to address a need for early childhood education and health care programs in Jefferson County while also addressing child care barriers for families in the area.

The college estimates the Madras expansion will create 30 new early childhood educators per year, help 80 staff members and students at Madras High School earn college credits and create 20 new full-time jobs at the on-site child care center.