SWOCC Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program hosts Open House events at both campuses   
Coos Bay, OR –Southwestern Oregon Community College is excited to announce open house events for those who would like to learn more about our new SWOCC Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. CURRY COUNTY RESIDENTS: Join us Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the Curry Campus, Room 232 (906082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings). COOS COUNTY RESIDENTS: Join us Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Coos Campus, Tioga Hall, Fourth Floor, Rooms 409 and 410 (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay). These events are free and will run from 12:00pm to 7:00pm. The open house provides an opportunity for anyone who is interested in obtaining entry-level construction skills to try out heavy equipment simulators, meet the instructors, and find out more about how to prepare for a career in the trades. We will also be set up to help people apply to the program. The SWOCC Works program is tailored for individuals 16+ years old who are seeking the transferrable skills needed to enter apprenticeships, or to apply to jobs that may include operating equipment such as forklifts, loaders, bulldozers, graders, and cranes. In just two terms, participants will undergo 120 hours of FREE training under the guidance of industry-experienced instructors and earn a certificate of completion issued directly from the Bureau of Labor and Industry. SWOCC Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program Highlights: No experience required; High school juniors and seniors eligible; Classes available at SWOCC’s Coos and Curry campuses; Earn a BOLI-approved certificate; Gain entry-level construction skills; Obtain OSHA 10 certification; Preparation for a career in the trades. For more information and to apply, please contact us via email at swoccworks@socc.edu or call 541-888-1545.

Southwestern hosts Earth Day Themed “STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) for TEENS” Event
SWOCC release – COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites 7th to 12th grade students to join us for an Earth Day themed “STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) for TEENS” on Saturday, April 6, 2024. This science-immersion event will be from 1:00 – 5:00 pm in the College’s health and science building, Umpqua Hall, room 184, on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay. Students will engage with professors in Earth Day themed hands-on activities in Physics & Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, Biology, Art, and more. This includes working alongside the College’s SPEAR Student Researchers, who are involved in many STEAM projects. There will also be an opportunity to experience a show in the new Discovery Dome Planetarium on hurricanes and tornadoes called Force Five. This digital theater space immerses students in a show that takes them on an adventure. STEAM education projects help students visualize career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and math. The “A” adds in the arts, such as humanities, dance, drama, visual arts, and design. When people learn in all these areas together, they gain soft skills that can help grow their ability in out-of-the-box thinking and collaboration. There is a $25 registration fee paid through Community Education. Please email krystal.hopper@socc.edu to register today. Spots are limited to 15. Scholarships are available. For more information on this event, registration, and scholarships contact Krystal Hopper Meyers, STEAM Pathways Assistant, at 541-888-7416, or krystal.hopper@socc.edu.

Explore Your Future at Southwestern: “Laker Day” Invites Prospective Students to Discover the Campus, Programs, and More!
SWOCC release – Coos Bay, OR – Prospective students, families and community members of all ages are invited to join Southwestern Oregon Community College for the inaugural “Laker Day” at the College’s Coos Campus. This free, in-person event promises a day filled with informative activities, engagement, and opportunities to discover all Southwestern has to offer. Anyone eager to explore higher education possibilities is encouraged to RSVP and attend: Date/Time: Saturday, April 20 from 10 am – 2 pm (check-in starts at 9:30 am); Location: Check-in at Umpqua Hall (1988 Newmark Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420); Activities will take place all-around campus. “For anyone even remotely considering attending college, this is an excellent opportunity to connect and see what Southwestern might offer them,” said Katie Sifford, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at Southwestern. “It provides a firsthand look into campus life, academic offerings, and the supportive atmosphere we provide to assist students in achieving their goals.” Highlights of Laker Day include: Note: Programming for the day is subject to change up until the day of the event. Meet Our Faculty and Staff: Engage with experienced and dedicated educators and staff who make Southwestern a dynamic learning environment. Learn More About the College: Discover the diverse academic programs, extracurricular activities, and resources that contribute to the college community. Free Lunch: Enjoy lunch prepared by our Oregon Coast Culinary Institute students. One-on-One Advising and Registration Appointments: Take advantage of personalized guidance and assistance to navigate the admissions process, explore financial aid options, and plan your academic journey. Tour the Coos Campus: Check-out the campus surroundings with guided tours showcasing some of our renovated facilities and beautiful landscapes. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore, connect, and envision your future at Southwestern Oregon Community College. Be sure to RSVP today! For more information, contact Katie Sifford, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at Southwestern via email (katie.sifford@socc.edu) or by calling 541-888-1595. We hope to see you there!