"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

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.

“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.”

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

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 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!

Coming to Southwestern was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Everyone was kind and thoughtful. They made me feel at home.

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

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.

TRIO Student Support Services was a lifesaver for me at SWOCC. The program helped me to integrate on campus and become a confident college student. I always knew I had a place to go for advising, tutoring, and hanging out with my peers. Without TRIO, I don't feel that I would have succeeded in college and earned my degrees. I credit TRIO for my educational success and I recommend the program highly. Joining Student Support Services means you will have a wonderful support system and amazing people to help you achieve your goals and dreams.