Jan 15, 2025 | Community, Curry News, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – High school students with an interest in the culinary and baking arts are invited to a special evening of exploration at Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) on Thursday, February 6th, from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. This free event offers a unique opportunity to experience the world of cooking and learn about a future in the culinary field.
Attendees will enjoy live cooking demonstrations, participate in an engaging Q&A session, and meet OCCI’s talented chefs, instructors, and staff. Whether you’re dreaming of a career in the culinary arts or just curious about the craft, this is your chance to get hands-on insights in a fun and focused setting.
Event Details
- What: OCCI Experience Event for High School Students and their Families
- When: Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Oregon Coast Culinary Institute, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay
- Cost: Free
- RSVP: Email or call 541-888-7309 to reserve your spot
Space is limited, so RSVPs are highly encouraged! Don’t miss this chance to discover your culinary potential at OCCI.
Can’t make it to the event? Learn more about OCCI’s Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts programs at www.socc.edu/occi, where you can also schedule a personalized campus tour. OCCI offers scholarships, financial aid, and nationally recognized culinary education to help you achieve your career goals.
About Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI)
The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) is a professionally accredited culinary institution at Southwestern Oregon Community College located in Coos Bay, Oregon. OCCI offers both degrees and certificates in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts. The school is renowned for providing comprehensive culinary training programs that equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the culinary industry. With a focus on hands-on learning, experienced faculty, and affordable programs, OCCI is committed to nurturing culinary talent and shaping the next generation of talented chefs. For more information, visit www.socc.edu/occi.
Jan 14, 2025 | Community, Curry News, News
Southwestern Oregon Community College is helping to meet the growing need for mental health care providers in our community through a new statewide pilot program. Under this program, students completing the Human Services Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree can register as Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHA-Rs) immediately upon graduation.
This initiative, launched by the Oregon Health Authority in collaboration with the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO), educational institutions, and behavioral health organizations, provides a streamlined pathway to QMHA certification. By combining education requirements with supervised practicum hours completed through local partnering providers, the program expands the workforce and enables graduates to meet critical community needs.
“Our local partners have expressed a growing need for trained mental health associates,” said Jenn Lewis, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Human Services Program Coordinator at Southwestern. “This pilot program empowers our students to meet that demand and make an immediate, meaningful impact in our community.”
Southwestern’s Human Services AAS degree equips students with foundational skills and real-world experience for a career in mental health support. The program includes coursework in counseling, ethics, crisis intervention, and multicultural issues, along with hands-on training through local practicum opportunities.
For students, this provides even more opportunity to work in the high-demand field of mental health care more quickly. The QMHA Pilot Program runs from winter 2025 through spring 2029. Southwestern is proud to play a role in strengthening the behavioral health workforce and supporting healthier, more resilient communities.
Students interested in pursuing Human Services at Southwestern and becoming eligible to register as QMHA-Rs upon graduating should connect with our admissions team via Email or text “Human Services” or call 541-240-8227.
Jan 2, 2025 | Community, Curry News, Foundation, News, OCCI News, Student Success
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation is accepting scholarship applications to help students achieve their educational and career goals. Any credit-seeking student—those pursuing a degree or certificate—planning to attend Southwestern during the 2025-26 academic year is encouraged to apply. Applications are open January 1 – March 1, 2025, at www.socc.edu/scholarships.
With one simple application, students can be considered for multiple scholarships. Students who apply by 11:59 p.m. on February 1, 2025, will be eligible to be considered for a $1,000 Early Bird Scholarship. The final deadline for all applications is 11:59 p.m. on March 1, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Thanks to the generosity of community donors, Southwestern Foundation awards more than $300,000 in scholarships annually. These funds are available to students pursuing nearly every field of study at the College’s Coos and Curry campuses and at the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI).
Workshops to Help You Succeed!
Need help with your scholarship application? Have questions about the FAFSA/financial aid? Join us at one of our FREE workshops!
Scholarship Writing Seminar – Build confidence and learn tips for writing strong essays.
Coos Campus, Empire Hall Lakeview E (above cafeteria)
- Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025:
- Session 1 = 11:00 a.m. – Noon
- Session 2 = 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Drop-In Workshops – Get personalized, in-person help from financial aid and scholarship experts. Bring your specific FAFSA or scholarship questions, or use this time to work on your application with representatives on site. Computers will be available for use.
Coos Campus, Tioga 301 (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay):
- Monday, Jan 27 @ 1:00 – 3:00pm
- Friday, Feb 7 @ 3:00 – 5:00pm
- Thursday, Feb 13 @ 10:00 – 12:00pm
- Wednesday, Feb 26th @ 4:00 – 6:00pm
Curry Campus, Room 232 (96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings):
- Tuesday, Jan 28th @ 10:30 – 2:30pm
A Legacy of Support for Students
Since 1962, the Southwestern Foundation has helped thousands of students achieve their educational and training dreams by breaking down financial barriers. Scholarships make it possible for students to focus on their education, build skills and prepare for future career success.
Interested in supporting Southwestern students? Visit www.socc.edu/give to learn how you can contribute.
Contact Information
For more information about Southwestern Foundation scholarships, visit www.socc.edu/scholarships, email foundation@socc.edu or call 541-888-7209.
Nov 25, 2024 | Curry Campus, Curry News, News, OCCI News
Winter Term 2024-25 is quickly approaching! Classes start January 6, 2025. Below are instructions about how to register. If you are experiencing any issues registering after reading the below, please contact us:
- Coos Campus Students: Call 541-888-7352 or Email
- Curry Campus Students: Call 541-813-1677 or Email
REGISTRATION FOR DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE SEEKING STUDENTS:
If you are already a current/admitted student, below are instructions on registering.
Not a current or admitted student? You’ll need to first complete an Application for Admission to Southwestern** – Submit your application by December 18 to ensure processing prior to the holiday closure. Not sure whether or not you’re an admitted student? Contact us using the information above! (**Note: If you’re a community member simply looking to take a credit class for fun or personal enrichment, you’ll complete the Community Education and Personal Enrichment Form in lieu of the Application for Admission).
Winter Term 2024-25 credit classes begin January 6, 2025. Registration for credit classes is available November 4, 2024 – January 8, 2025 (from January 9-15, 2025, you will first need instructor consent to register for a class). To register:
- First clear with your advisor! If you’re unsure who your advisor is, you may call 541-888-7405 or schedule an advising meeting. Curry Campus students call 541-813-1667.
- Login to myLakerLink using your student ID and password.
- Search for courses to add under the “2024-2025 Winter Term” drop down.
REGISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY CLASSES (COMMUNITY EDUCATION):
Winter Term 2024-25 community education class registration opens December 11, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. To register, follow the instructions on the top of the community class page.
WINTERSESSION REGISTRATION:
Wintersession classes are fully online–choose from six different four-week classes that take place over the winter break: December 9, 2024 – January 6, 2025. Registration is available through December 9, 2024 (December 9th is also the first day of classes). For all the details and to register for these fast-track classes, follow the instructions HERE.
As a reminder, all academic term dates and other important milestones may be found on the Academic Calendar. Click on the “2024-25 Academic Calendar” button for a .pdf version, or click on the “categories” button and filter for “instructional calendar” to view the online version.
Sep 20, 2024 | Curry News, News, OCCI News
If you are a credit-seeking student with a balance on your student account, you can now enroll in a payment plan with Auto Pay through the new Transact system to make tuition more manageable. Payment plans are now self-serving–this includes enrolling in a plan, setting up Auto Pay or even just making a payment. Bonus? You can now invite a parent, relative or other family member to contribute to the plan!
Pay your tuition in automatic monthly installments
To help remove the financial burden so you can focus on your schoolwork, we offer convenient tuition payment plans with an Auto Pay option. Using your payment of choice, you can automatically pay your tuition and fees over time and avoid the high-interest rates that come with a traditional loan!
- Set up a payment plan to cover any amount: your entire bill, or just the balance left after financial aid
- Optionally invite a parent or relative to contribute to the plan
- Simple enrollment process
- One low fee at enrollment*
- Set up Auto Pay – Electronic payments made automatically – just set it and forget it
- 24/7 online account access
To get started:
- Log into MyLakerLink
- Click on Finances to view My Account
- Click Make a Payment
- Select “Payment Plans”
- Select “Set Up Auto Pay”
- Follow the on screen prompts to select your payment method and complete enrollment
To learn more about the benefits of using an auto-pay payment plan click here or watch this short video from Transact below. If you need assistance of have questions, Transact Customer Care is available Monday – Friday, 5am – 5pm Pacific time at 877-821-0625.
*All available plans and applicable payment options, fees and disclosures will be presented to you during the enrollment process. Enrollment in and availability of plans may be subject to applicable state law limitations. An enrollment fee will apply and other fees may apply to the extent permitted by law. The Full Service Payment Plan is administered by Transact Campus Payments, Inc., a Transact Holdings Inc. company.
The enrollment fee is considered a finance charge which is defined by federal regulations as “the cost of consumer credit as a dollar amount.” To make it easy for consumers to compare this cost to other forms of credit, Transact Campus Payments, Inc. provides the equivalent annual percentage rate (APR), which takes into account a number of variables, including the number of payments, the term, and the amount financed. Maximum APR limits may be subject to applicable state usury laws.
Aug 29, 2024 | Curry Campus, Curry News, Student Success
Coos Bay, OR – The Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation is proud to congratulate our 2024-25 Curry County scholarship recipients. Thanks to generous donors, the organization awarded 23 scholarships totaling $23,000 for students from Curry County attending Southwestern for the upcoming academic year.
“Students who receive scholarships tell us that it helps them get started on a goal they thought they couldn’t achieve,” said Karen Pringle Cunningham, SWOCC Foundation Board of Trustees member. “It boosts self-confidence and relieves a financial burden for them and their families. Seeing a thank you letter from a student you helped is a rewarding experience.”
Guided by a board of community volunteers, the Southwestern Foundation organized as a nonprofit organization in 1962, the year after the college started. Since then, thousands of students have attended the college and received Foundation scholarships. These awards help students by breaking down financial barriers and inspiring students to better their lives and futures.
If you are interested in donating to scholarships or volunteering with the Southwestern Foundation visit www.socc.edu/give or call 541-888-7209 for additional information.
2024-25 Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation Curry County Scholarship Recipients:
| SCHOLARSHIP |
RECIPIENT(S) |
| Andy Toribio Scholarship |
Sonia |
Haro |
| Ann Lansing Scholarship |
Steven |
Scruggs |
| Baughman Memorial Apprenticeship Scholarship |
Dylan |
Kamph |
| Bezzerides Scholarship |
Kylie |
Shaw-Kamehaiku |
| Dani |
Marshall |
| Cherie J. Mitchell Scholarship |
Jade |
Bernhardt |
| Curry Campus General Scholarship |
Brooke |
Gray |
| Gracie |
Brozdounoff |
| Alannah |
Clark |
| Maxine Smith Scholarship |
Stephanie |
Horn |
| Menasha Legacy Fund Scholarship |
Aimie |
Bussmann |
| Nancy Douglas Memorial Scholarship |
Ava |
Bolster |
| New Beginnings for Tribal Students Scholarship |
Oliver |
Merritt |
| SWOCC Foundation Board General Scholarship |
Chanel |
Greenwood |
| Dustin |
Ledford |
| Taya |
Torres |
| RayAnne |
Lockett |
| June |
Markum |
| SWOCC Foundation General Nursing Scholarship |
Amanda |
Higgins |
| SWOCC Foundation General Scholarship |
Jeffrey |
Jennings |
| SWOCC Foundation General Scholarship |
Sonia |
Haro |
| The Friends of the Curry Public Library James Boyle Memorial Scholarship |
Zachary |
Renfro |
| The Yellow Cab Taxi Scholarship |
Emmett |
Hawthorne |
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*Note: Some scholarship recipients request their award(s) not be listed publicly. The Foundation respects their privacy by not including them on this list.
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