Southwestern was the perfect choice for me. From the attentive staff to the beautiful and safe surroundings, I felt at home. The lifelong friendships that I have made are priceless.

I plan to attend SWOCC next year with the goal of graduating with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Sciences as well as earning EMT certification. This scholarship will help lighten the load financially so that I can continue to focus on school and remain a Student Firefighter for Coos Bay. - Trevor Niehoff, DeArmond CTE Scholarship

In high school, college was a dream I was so determined to turn into reality. But, as a small human in the midst of everything, it almost felt impossible. Now that my first year of college is coming to a close, I have never felt more determined and empowered to keep going and furthering my college career to come closer to finishing my academic education. Thank you, thank you, thank you!  - Jorda Harlow, Bob and Debra Main Scholarship

Taking advantage of College Now is one of the smartest decisions I made. It allowed me to enter my four-year degree with so much more flexibility in my course load that other students don’t normally have. It also allowed me to dive straight into degree specific courses, which has really helped me in the STEM field.

During the two years I attended Southwestern, I was also a member of the TRIO program. The resources TRIO provided allowed me to be a successful first-generation college graduate. Not only was I awarded various grants for my academic success, but I also had a place to go if I needed extra help with an assignment, or an inviting environment to take a break and relax. The TRIO program is also where I met my best friend and became more involved in my community through volunteering. Furthermore, the other TRIO students were welcoming, willing to help, and regularly inspired me to become a successful student. Overall, being a part of TRIO truly gave me a sense of belonging.

I came to SWOCC to play basketball and study Criminal Justice, yet I have come out of my first year with more than only those two things. SWOCC gave me the chance to learn from wonderful professors, play basketball, and also live in a beautiful place.

On the academic end of it, SWOCC let me be interactive in all my classes with small class sizes and a large variety of people from different steps in life. On the athletic end of it, they have wonderful sports facilities with a very prideful program.

SWOCC also gave me the chance to live and experience the beautiful west coast. The lake on campus, vast beaches, and endless hikes add something special to your experience.

I am 24 years old and will be a second-year nursing student next year. I live in Brookings and attend the Curry campus. SWOCC has given me the education to progress toward my goals of becoming a well-rounded nurse. I have always believed in compassionate care for individuals and have practiced this as I go throughout my clinical rotation. I love being able to care for people and create an atmosphere of kindness. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. - Lauren Cotten, DeArmond CTE Scholarship

There aren’t many places where education and nature are so closely intertwined. Southwestern has both in spades.

OCCI was the key to so many doors!

I learned the true definitions of discipline, sacrifice and humility, and then put them into practice. I had the honor of not only representing my school but my country in the IKA Culinary Olympics in Eurfurt Germany. Without the umbrella of OCCI none of that would have ever been possible. Now I feel like no challenge is unreasonable and nothing is unattainable in the culinary field.