Southwestern Oregon Community College is offering more than $300,000 in direct financial support to students pursuing career and technical training programs for the 2022-23 academic year. The intent is to help local students develop necessary skills for the workforce.
Starting this fall, qualifying students enrolled in nearly 60 career pathways at Southwestern can receive up to $6,000 toward their education. Eligible programs of study include Accounting, Business, Early Childhood Education, Culinary Arts, Computer Science, Fire Science, Forestry, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Welding, and more.
Anyone interested in this opportunity should text “FALL22” or call 541-240-8227 for more information. They may also email swoccbound@socc.eduand ask about the Future Ready Grant.
The funding is provided from Future Ready Oregon—a comprehensive $200 million investment package that supports the education and training Oregonians need for family-wage careers. Through this generous $300,000 grant from the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board (SOWIB), Southwestern can directly help students in our community reach their goals.
“This grant will help place more adults into higher paying, long-term careers,” said Philip Metz, grant administrator at Southwestern. Metz, a Southwestern graduate, started in the GED program and completed his associate degree last spring. “For anyone on the fence about coming to college, we hope this funding helps lessen that financial burden and encourage them to pursue their career goals now!”
Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until they are gone. Southwestern’s fall term classes begin September 12, 2022. Students who think they may meet the basic criteria are encouraged to inquire as soon as possible.
Basic information for students about the grant funding:
- How much are the awards? Students enrolled in qualifying programs may receive up to $6,000 toward their education. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until they are gone.
- How do students apply? Students should text “FALL22” or call 541-240-8227; they may also email swoccbound@socc.edu. Students will meet with the grant administrator to determine eligibility and apply.
- Who can apply? New and returning adults pursuing qualifying career and technical training in nearly 60 programs at Southwestern for the 2022-23 academic year are encouraged to inquire.
- Eligible career pathways include: Accounting, Business, Early Childhood Education, Culinary Arts, Computer Science, Fire Science, Forestry, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Welding, and more.
- Not sure if a career training program qualifies? If students are not sure whether or not the program they are interested in pursuing qualifies, they are highly encouraged to reach out and ask.
- When and how will students receive funds? Funds will be disbursed as part of the individual’s financial aid package through the College.
- Do students have to pay the money back? No. Grant funds are not required to be paid back.
- Will this impact student financial aid awards? These funds are in addition to any other federal or state grants students receive.
