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.

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 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

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 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 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

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!

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.

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

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.