1,500 Miles, 17 Colleges, 50 Days, One Cause
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College will soon welcome a unique visitor as part of a statewide campaign supporting Oregon’s community college students. Clackamas Community College President Dr. Tim Cook is in the midst of a grueling 1,500-mile, 50-day run across Oregon to raise awareness for student basic needs. As part of his journey, Dr. Cook is scheduled to arrive in Coos Bay on July 14 for a visit to Southwestern’s Coos Campus.
The Running for Oregon Community College Students (ROCCS) campaign highlights the challenges many students face meeting essential needs like food, housing, child care and transportation—all while balancing school, work and family responsibilities. Dr. Cook’s run aims to raise both awareness and funds to directly support students at community colleges across the state.
“As a first-generation college student, I understand the transformative power of education,” Dr. Cook said. “Through ROCCS, I aim to shed light on the significant challenges our students face, rally support to address these critical needs and raise awareness of the valuable role community colleges play in our state.”
Locally, Southwestern leaders see these needs every day. “Too many of our students face daily barriers that go beyond the classroom,” said Southwestern President Dr. Patty Scott. “This campaign shines an important light on these realities, and helps raise funds to directly support our students working so hard to change their lives through education. We’re proud to support this mission and encourage the community to get involved!”
In fact, community college students represent some of the most vulnerable populations in the state. A survey from The Hope Center highlights the pressing needs of Oregon’s community college students showed:
- Approximately 41% of students reported experiencing food insecurity within the previous 30 days.
- About 52% of students faced housing insecurity in the past year, which includes difficulties such as affording rent, utilities, or frequent moves.
- Nearly 20% of students experienced homelessness in the past year, indicating a lack of stable and safe housing.
Donate and Follow Along!
Your support makes a difference! ROCCS donations can go directly to help Southwestern students cover essential needs.
Make a ROCCS Donation!Follow Dr. Cook’s journey at run4orccstudents.org or on Instagram at @run4orccstudents
The ROCCS campaign is made possible through the generous support of Rivermark Community Credit Union, Johnson RV, and Daimler Truck North America.
