"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

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

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

Everyone has been so welcoming, kind and helpful. It’s been amazing!

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.

Southwestern inspired me to get a jump on my degree and is an ideal location for forestry students like myself. Plus, I received strong support in pursuing research opportunities.

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.

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 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

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.