SWOCC release - Coos Bay, OR – Students planning to attend Southwestern Oregon Community College during the 2026–27 academic year can begin applying for Southwestern Foundation scholarships starting January 1, 2026. Thanks to the generosity of donors across our communities, the Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation awards more than $300,000 in scholarships annually, helping students pursue education, training, and career pathways at Southwestern. The scholarship application period runs from January 1 - March 1, 2026. All students considering enrollment for the 2026–27 academic year are encouraged to apply, including both full-time and part-time students. Applications submitted by February 1, 2026, will be eligible for a $1,000 “Early Bird” Scholarship. To learn more and apply, visit www.socc.edu/scholarships. The Foundation and Financial Aid Office will host a series of drop-in Scholarship and FAFSA workshops to provide additional help and everyone is welcome to swing by: Coos Campus (Coos Bay) – Tioga #301; Wednesday, January 21 | 3:00–5:00 p.m.; Monday, February 9 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.; Friday, February 13 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; Wednesday, February 25 | 3:00–5:00 p.m.; Curry Campus (Brookings) – Room #232; Wednesday, February 4 | 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Not a student, but want to join us in supporting the education and futures of Southwestern students? Join us for our annual scholarship fundraiser Uncorking Opportunity! on January 23, 2026, at the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute. It’s a wonderful evening of Oregon wines and hors d'oeuvres crafted by OCCI students and chefs. RSVP is required. Tickets and more information at www.socc.edu/give. Have additional questions about Southwestern Foundation Scholarships? Email [email protected] or call 541-888-7209. About the SWOCC Foundation: Since 1962, the SWOCC Foundation has supported the College to improve people’s lives – socially, culturally, economically and educationally – through friend-raising and fundraising. The College serves Curry, Coos and western Douglas county residents’ needs for transfer degrees, high-skill job training and community classes. For more information about the foundation, visit www.socc.edu/foundation or contact the Foundation office at 541-888-7209 or [email protected].