Trio has been the secret ingredient in my recipe for academic success. My Trio advisor has always encouraged my goals and provided expert guidance. Trio also recommended financial resources to fit my situation. I owe a lot to them!

I never set my sights on college because just living day-to-day was a financial struggle. I had no idea how I was going to be a successful student until I found TRIO. They helped me realize that my dreams and ambitions were not out of reach simply because of my finances. TRIO made me feel validated and heard in my struggles. The TRIO advisors taught me about scholarships showing me I had many more opportunities available to me than I thought possible, and they showed me how to take advantage of them! It was a TRIO campus trip to Oregon State University that made me realize OSU was where I needed to be. It’s because of TRIO that I have made it to where I am today: an OSU graduate with a bachelor's in Agricultural Science and a minor in Comparative International Agriculture.

I was born here in Coos Bay and have lived here for practically my whole life. I come from a Hispanic household. Although we are not extremely wealthy, we work hard to meet our goals. I have two loving parents that have supported me from the beginning. They are always making sure I accomplish and complete my life goals. I am pursuing an associates degree in Nursing and I’m hoping to make it into the nursing program next year. - Adolfo Rodriguez, Art and Toni Poole Scholarship

The College Now program greatly expanded the curriculum I had access to during my high-school education and prepared me for college classes. It also allowed me to finish my bachelor's degree in three years and to do so while accruing only half of the debt that accompanies the average bachelor's degree.

Cayce attended Marshfield and graduated from Portland State University in 2020.

“The SWOCC University Center provided me with a roadmap not only to assist with my educational needs, but provided the resources to connect with various opportunities such as scholarships and career opportunities. The University Center opened my eyes to the numerous possibilities that I can do with my degree. Jaimee is very helpful and knowledgeable. Now, I'm on track to graduate with my MBA in Business Administration. What is next for me is doctoral school, where I want to obtain a DBA in Business Marketing.”

I would like to thank the Mike Groben Scholarship donor who has honored me with the gift of this scholarship. This generous gift will ease financial burdens which will, in turn, help me achieve a dream that started 27 years ago - to further my education and earn my Associates degree in Digital Design. It is often hard to ask for help. I am touched and very thankful to people who are willing to help people succeed. I hope I may be able to pay it forward to a student like myself one day and honor them. My family and I thank you for this scholarship. - Anthony Williams, Mike Groben Scholarship

"I came to Southwestern Oregon Community College because this school offered me opportunities that I could not get anywhere else. After graduation, I will transfer to a university and major in graphic design or digital media. With your help, you have brought my goals closer to reality. I cannot put into words how appreciative I am of that." - Kayla Flint, John W. Burles Memorial Scholarship

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 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

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.