Academic Scholarships

Applying for academic scholarships is a great way to help offset your cost of attending college. The best thing about scholarships? They’re essentially “free money” meaning you don’t pay them back! The College offers scholarships through the Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation specifically for students planning to attend Southwestern in the upcoming academic year.

Timing

Apply

Tips for Applying

FAQs

Ongoing Scholarships

CONTACT US
SWOCC Foundation
Tioga Hall, #503
(Closed on Fridays during Summer)
Phone: 541-888-7209
Email

Annual Southwestern Foundation Scholarships

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS! Applications for the 2025-26 academic year are accepted January 1 – March 1, 2025. Follow the instructions below to apply online. Any degree or certificate-seeking student planning to attend Southwestern in the 2025-25 academic year is encouraged to apply. This includes both part-time and full-time students.

Why Apply? The Southwestern Foundation awards nearly $300,000 in scholarships each year through approximately 200 scholarships. By completing just one application, you’ll automatically be considered for every scholarship you qualify for. Applying is quick and straightforward. Many awards only require you to be a credit-seeking student at Southwestern.

Scholarship Listing

Join one of our FREE drop-in workshops!

Have questions? We’re available via Email and phone (541-888-7209) but also understand it’s nice to have in-person support. We’re partnering with experts in our Financial Aid Department for the following informal, drop-in sessions. Work on your scholarship application or FAFSA with peace of mind knowing representatives are right there to help answer your specific questions. Computers are available for you to use. These workshops are open to everyone looking for financial knowledge as they plan for college (you do NOT need to be a Southwestern student to attend).

Coos Campus – Tioga Hall, Room 301:

Monday, Jan. 27 @ 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 7 @ 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 13 @ 10:00 – Noon
Wednesday, Feb. 26th @ 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Curry Campus – Room 232:

Tuesday, Jan 28th @ 10:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Timing

Applications are accepted January 1 – March 1 annually.

Due Date: All applications are DUE MARCH 1 by 11:59 p.m. Pacific. No exceptions.
Early Bird Deadline: Applications submitted before 11:59 p.m. on February 1 are entered to win a $1,000 “early bird” scholarship.
Don’t wait, apply now! It is highly recommended all applicants read the instructions below and try accessing the application website before February 15 to ensure they are able to login and complete their application on time. This is especially important for new/incoming students because they must complete an “application for admission” to the college to access the scholarship application.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted January 1 – March 1 annually.

Any credit-seeking student planning to attend Southwestern for the 2025-26 academic year is encouraged to apply. This includes both part-time and full-time students.

Before applying, first determine if you have ever completed an “application for admission” to Southwestern:

If you are a current student or admitted student, you are ready to apply! Skip down to Step #1 below.
If you have NEVER completed an application for application for admission, you must do so before you’ll be able to apply for scholarships. You may fall into this camp if you are attending (or have attended) Southwestern but have only ever taken dual credit, expanded options or community education classes:

a) Submit your application for admission to the College. Allow up to 5 business days to process your application.

b) You will receive an email notifying you of when your application is processed.

c) Follow the instructions for “current or admitted students” (go to Step #1 below).

Not sure if you have completed an application for admission? Check with admissions via Email or Phone: 541-888-7636.

Watch the 5-min video, and/or follow the written step-by-step instructions to learn how to apply.

Timing

Apply

Tips for Applying

FAQs

Ongoing Scholarships

PAY FOR COLLEGE
TUITION AND FEES
FINANCIAL AID
SCHOLARSHIPS
PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS

CONTACT US
SWOCC Foundation
Tioga Hall, #503
(Closed on Fridays during Summer)
Phone: 541-888-7209
Email

Go to the application website:

socc.awardspring.com

Login to the AwardSpring Website

If you have NEVER before logged into the AwardSpring system:

Click the “Set Your Password” button under the “First time here?” prompt.
Enter the same email address you put on your application for admission to Southwestern.
Click on the “Send Email” button. A link to set your password will be sent to your email.

If you have previously applied to Southwestern Foundation scholarships:

Was the first time you applied in 2020 or after? If yes…

- Enter the same email address you put on your application for admission to Southwestern (most likely, this is your personal email address).
- Use the same password you created when you previously applied.
- Forgot your password? Click the “forgot password” button and be sure you’re able to access your email account.

Was the first time you applied prior to 2020? If yes…

- Enter your SOCC email address. Use your email with your NAME, (do NOT use your student ID#).
- Use the same password you created when you previously applied.
- Forgot your password? Click the “forgot password” button and be sure you’re able to access your email account.

Can’t get to your SOCC email?

- - Go to myLakerLink and login using your student ID and password.
  - Click HERE to see your SOCC email address (it will be directly under your name).
  - Go HERE to login and access your SOCC email. (You may have to type in your StudentID# @ email.socc.edu to access).

Submit your scholarship application by March 1

Applications are due March 1 by 11:59 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS.

The system will not allow you to “submit” your application without completing all required information.
You have until the deadline to make changes to your application.
Once submitted, you are automatically applied to all the scholarships you qualify for. To see the scholarships you applied for, click on the “scholarships” tab and look at the “status” column. The scholarships you applied to are all determined by the answers provided in your application.
You may qualify for scholarships that require additional information. These will show up on your dashboard. It is YOUR CHOICE if you want to complete these or not. You do not have to apply for these scholarships that require additional information.

Tips for Applying

Helpful tips for completing your application:

Apply as early as possible. If you encounter any technical difficulties, you’ll have time to sort them out.
Write and save your essays in a separate document. You can potentially use them for other applications and reference them later.
Proofread, proofread, proofread. Ask someone to review your essays. The more effort you put into your application, the more likely you are to receive a scholarship. PRO TIP: Use the College’s Writing Center, available both in-person and via Zoom. More info about this can be found on the tutoring page.
Read all directions and answer each question carefully! The scholarships you qualify for are determined by the answers you provide. Be as accurate as possible in each response.

Southwestern Foundation Scholarship FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions in completing the Southwestern Foundation scholarship application.

Keep Others Closed - DO NOT REMOVE

Who can apply?

Any credit-seeking student planning to attend Southwestern for the upcoming academic year. This includes both full and part-time students. (Southwestern Foundation scholarships are not available for community education, not-for-credit classes).

When can students apply?

January 1 – March 1 annually. **APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BEFORE 11:59 p.m. PACIFIC TIME MARCH 1** No exceptions.

The early bird deadline is 11:59 p.m. Pacific on Feb. 1—applications submitted by that time will automatically be entered to win a $1,000 early bird scholarship.

Is there anything I can do while I wait to be able to login to the socc.awardspring.com website?

Yes! While you continue to work on logging in to socc.awardspring.com, you can prepare answers to questions that require more than a click of a button or short phrase to answer. Also be sure to read all of the above instructions about “timing” and “how to apply.”

Prepare and save answers to the following:

PERSONAL STATEMENTS:
1. What are your specific educational plans and career goals and why? What inspires you to achieve them? (300 word maximum)
2. What have you done for your family or community that you care about the most and why? (300 word maximum)
3. Describe a personal accomplishment and the strengths and skills you used to achieve it. (300 word maximum)
4. Describe a significant change or experience that has occurred in your life. How did you respond and what did you learn about yourself? (300 word maximum)
TRANSCRIPTS: Secure a digital copy of your most current unofficial transcripts. The preferred file upload is a .pdf document if possible–photos of transcripts (.jpg) sometimes do not upload well and can be hard to read.
ORGANIZATIONS/ACTIVITIES/WORK/COMMUNITY SERVICE: List any you are involved with. These could be school activities, volunteer activities (community/family) and/or paid work experience.
AWARDS/HONORS/DISTINCTIONS: List any awards, honors or distinctions you have earned and the year they were earned (300 words maximum)

Do I have to complete a FAFSA to apply?

No. Although it is not required, it is highly recommended applicants complete their FAFSA when you apply for Southwestern Foundation scholarships. The FAFSA may be completed online at HERE.

Can I apply if I already have a degree?

Yes. Any student planning to attend Southwestern for the upcoming academic year may apply. This includes both full and part-time students and students. The Foundation recognizes students may return to college to pursue different career paths and they are eligible for scholarship funding.

Can I apply if I will be dual-enrolled at SWOCC and another college/university?

It depends on where your student financial aid resides. SWOCC Foundation scholarships are intended for students specifically attending Southwestern Oregon Community College. In most cases, dual-enrolled students’ financial aid will reside with the non-SWOCC college/university. If your financial aid resides with another institution, it is not a good fit nor would it meet criteria for you to apply for SWOCC Foundation scholarships.

Not sure where your financial aid will reside as a dual-enrolled student? Email fao@socc.edu.

Can I apply if I only plan to attend part of the academic year?

Yes. Scholarship awards more than $500 are typically disbursed across Fall, Winter and Spring terms of each academic year. Scholarships $500 or less are applied in full Fall term. With adequate notice and reasonable justification, the Foundation may be able to customize student awards.

Can I apply if I am already getting my college paid for?

Yes. Even if you are getting college paid for by a tuition waiver, Oregon Promise, Oregon Opportunity Grant, Federal Grant, or other financial means, you can still apply for SWOCC Foundation scholarships.

The Foundation recognizes college expenses go beyond tuition and fees. Foundation scholarships are applied to the individual student’s account. If the expenses owed to the college are covered, scholarship money can help cover additional expenses associated with attending college.

Do dual-enrolled high school students (or others who already have a SWOCC student ID #) have to complete the application for admission?

If you have already completed an application for admission, please do not do so again.

If you have NEVER completed the application for admission you must do so before you will be able to apply for Southwestern Foundation scholarships. Students should do this no later than Feb. 15, because they will need to allow up to 5 business days for their application to be processed before being able to login and apply for scholarships.

Not sure if you have completed an application for admission? Check with admissions via Email or Phone: 541-888-7636.

Did I submit my application? Which scholarships did I apply for? What if I don't want to do the follow-up work it's asking me to do?

When you hit “Submit Application” you are automatically applied for the scholarships you qualify for that don’t require any extra information. You will be able to see what scholarships you applied for by clicking on the “scholarships” tab and looking in the “status” section.

Some scholarships you qualify for may require you to provide extra information (e.g. they require a very specific essay or a letter of recommendation), before you’re able to apply for them. In this instance:

You will be prompted to complete additional information for these specific scholarships.
Your dashboard will note you have items “requiring completion.” Simply click on the link to see what they are.
IT IS YOUR CHOICE on whether or not you wish to provide the additional information necessary to apply for these scholarships:
- If you wish to apply to them, you must have all information submitted no later than March 1.
- If you do not want to apply for those scholarships, simply ignore them.

I already submitted my application, but need to fix something. Can I change it?

Applicants may login to update their application until the final deadline – 11:59 p.m. PST on March 1. After the deadline, no changes or submissions will be accepted. No exceptions.

When and how are students notified?

All student communications will take place via email, at the same email address used to login and apply for scholarships. Students receiving awards will be notified by early May. See the timeline above for additional details.

Ongoing Scholarships

Applications listed below fall outside the annual Foundation Scholarship application process and are only available to students currently enrolled in classes at Southwestern.

**IMPORTANT: Students should speak to a SWOCC staff member prior to applying to the below! These scholarships are NOT intended to pay for tuition–they are intended to help students through unexpected emergency situations.**

Keep Others Closed - DO NOT REMOVE

Emergency Scholarship Application

IMPORTANT: Please speak with a SWOCC staff member prior to applying for this scholarship. This scholarship is NOT intended to help with tuition–it is intended to help students through unexpected emergency situations to keep them enrolled.

This emergency scholarship is for students currently registered at Southwestern Oregon Community College (either full or part-time) who need assistance with temporary and surmountable financial difficulties and/or emergencies. The goal with this assistance is to ensure students are able to remain enrolled and complete their studies.

Emergency scholarships are funded by the Richard Grossman Student Support Scholarship fund and the Olive Bridge Emergency scholarship fund.

Emergency Scholarship Application

GED Emergency Scholarship Application

IMPORTANT: Please speak with a SWOCC staff member (ideally staff in the GED/transitional education department) prior to applying for this scholarship.

This scholarship is to help with course fees/tests associated with students pursuing their GED completion at Southwestern Oregon Community College. Funding may cover transitional education course fees, GED exam fees, or a combination of the two. Students must meet all qualifications listed and receive endorsement from a Southwestern employee.

GED Emergency Scholarship Application

“I am planning on getting my associates from SWOCC then transferring to a university to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Business. My goal is to be a successful business owner. I have had many role models in my life that have shown the hard work and dedication it takes to become an entrepreneur. Thank you for investing in my future education.”

Dawson Howerton

Warehouse Coffee Café Farm and Sea Scholarship

“Thank you for the scholarship. I am working on getting a certificate of completion in Forest Technology, and plan to get an Associates of Science in Forest Management, as well. Forestry has always been interesting to me, and I am excited to finally be able to pursue it. I look forward to the day when I can have a career helping to sustainably manage the forests in our area.”

Michelle McKiddy

Estella Morgan Memorial and Coos Bay Vision Center Scholarships

“This scholarship will help me finish my second year of nursing school and achieve my dream of becoming a nurse and maybe eventually a midwife. Your gift will allow me to spend my life helping others and the world.”

Zubeda Ingabire

Uncorking Opportunity! Nursing Scholarship

“Thank you for the opportunity and gift of this scholarship. I am honored to be awarded and it will benefit me and my journey towards having a career in first response and care. The growth I’ve seen in myself is far improved than what I was expecting. I am not only eager to see that change in myself, but what I can provide for my community.”

Charles Woodruff

Randy Carpenter Memorial Scholarship

“This scholarship means a lot to me. I come from a farming background where my grandparents built a farm from the ground up. I was raised on that farm helping as much as I could. After SWOCC I plan on attending a 4-year school to finish my business management degree and minor in agriculture and then move back home and take over the farm so that I can continue the legacy my grandparents have started that I am so proud to be a part of.”

Rami Escure

Patricia Benetti Memorial Scholarship

“Your generosity has given me the ability to achieve my passion and dream of becoming a paramedic and help people in medical situations. You are making a difference with this scholarship for me and for the people like me who found their passion in career and technical education (CTE).”

Shantaya Cotton

Linda Kallgren Donaldson Nursing Scholarship

“Growing up, I watched the people around me tell their stories through their food and pass down generations of stories and recipes. Because of this, I pushed myself to be the first to go to and finish college. To not only hone my skills but take another step toward being able to share my family’s stories. With this scholarship I’ll be able to make that dream a reality. Thank you!”

McKenzie Palacios

SWOCC Foundation Culinary General Scholarship

“I really want to work in a lab setting as a tissue engineer in the regenerative medicine field, and this scholarship is helpful as a stepping stone. I appreciate your continued support; it inspires me to give back to my community just as you have.”

Aubrey Brooks

Dennis and Janet Beetham Scholarship