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

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.

The Expanded Options Program offered through Southwestern Oregon Community College has been a life-changer for our children. They have received the skills they needed to catapult themselves to the university level. I recommend this program to everyone I talk to!

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 had a very fulfilling life at Southwestern! I felt close to my instructors and was always able to ask them questions. It was easy to make friends so I was able to improve my English and learn about American culture.

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.

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.

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

I am attending the Brookings campus of Southwestern Oregon Community College. I maintain a high grade-point average of 4.0, and I am an active community member that participates in community service and community involvement. I also work part time at a local business in my newly sought profession, Business and Accounting. Thank you again so much for this gift and wonderful opportunity to follow my dreams and obtain a college degree to help me find a higher paying job in the profession that I love. - Donna Miller-Crabtree, Bezzarides Scholarship