Special Programs
GED®
GED® is an exam that is equivalent to a high school diploma. The purpose of GED® classes is to improve skills in reading, writing, and math to prepare students to take the GED® exam. The GED® exam consists of four individual tests - Social Studies, Science, Reasoning through Language Arts, and Mathematical Reasoning. Day and evening classes are available on both Coos and Curry County campuses, as well as online, and provide large group, small group, and individualized instruction in a supportive and welcoming environment. Classes are free for all students.
A GED® can be earned by anyone who has not completed high school and who is at least 16 years old. Students who are 16 or 17 must obtain an official release from the last school district they last attended before they are permitted to take the GED® exam. Home schooled students must obtain an official release from the Educational Service District before they are permitted to take the GED® exam.
GED® testing is available on the Southwestern campus. Contact GED® for more information and to schedule testing. A fee still applies for testing. Contact the program for fee assistance information at 541-888-1593.
Adult & Pre-College Education
Laker Learning Commons | TIOGA HALL 3RD FLOOR | 541-888-1593
The Adult & Pre-College Education Program is for students and community members who are ready to make a positive change in their lives! We provide information, practice skills, and resources to help participants earn their GED®, improve their English language abilities, and brush up on reading, writing, and math skills.
We prepare students for success in their families and communities, the workforce, and future education programs. Classes for Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED®, and English as a Second Language (ESL) are offered every quarter. Services are also provided at our Curry campus in Brookings as well as online. All Adult & Pre-College Education classes are free of charge.
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
If you have a high school diploma or GED® but need some practice in reading, writing, or math, the Adult Basic Education faculty and staff can help. ABE classes can help you improve your reading and writing skills, improve math comprehension, enhance your job skills, learn to write a resume, prepare for college, and learn computer skills.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
If your native language is not English and you wish to learn English, Southwestern offers beginning and intermediate level ESL classes. Students will receive instruction in speaking, reading, writing, and listening to English in a fun, safe classroom atmosphere and through experiential field trips.
College Now
541-888-7893
Southwestern's College Now program provides high school students the opportunity to earn college credits while fulfilling high school graduation requirements. Train for a professional technical career and/or prepare for a smooth, clear transition to the higher education setting, all while still in high school!
College Now programs include:
Dual Credit: College credit classes taught at the high school by high school instructors
Expanded Options: College courses taught by the college instructors at the college or online
- Student must be at least 16 years of age to participate.
- Priorities for at-risk/traditionally underrepresented students
Enhanced Options: College Credit classes taught at/for the high school by college instructors
Earned credit will be on students’ Southwestern transcripts. Credit transfer acceptability is at the discretion of the receiving institution.
Course offerings vary by high school. For more information, contact the high school counseling office or the Southwestern College Now staff at 541-888-7893 or collegenow@socc.edu.
TRIO Student Support Services
RANDOLPH HALL | 541-888-7419 | sss@socc.edu
The Student Support Services (SSS) program provides academic support for low income and first-generation college students. The focus of the program is to improve the graduation and transfer rates of first-generation and low-income students, and students with disabilities at Southwestern. Services include regular one-on-one academic and career advising, tutoring, student success workshops, assistance with financial aid and scholarship applications, transfer planning, peer mentoring, and cultural enrichment.
To be eligible for the program a student must be a US citizen or permanent resident and meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Parents do not have a four-year (bachelor’s) degree;
- Meet federal low income guidelines; or
- Have a documented disability.
The Southwestern TRIO-SSS program is funded by the US Department of Education at $335,106 annually and serves 160 students each year. Applications are available on myLakerLink and in Randolph Hall, Rm 6.
Internships give students real-life hands-on work experience. You can gain valuable workplace insight while earning college credit. Most Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees, like the AAS Business Management / Entrepreneurship, require internships or Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) as part of the credits needed for degree competition. However, they are not limited to just that purpose. We encourage students to use internships to explore educational and/or career pursuits. For example, if you are thinking of becoming a teacher, nothing awakens your drive like a term assisting in one of our local classrooms. Internships are a great way to confirm your education and career path.
Internships can be paid or non-paid; it usually depends on the site and their resources. They can be for as little as 1 credit or for as many as 8 credits per term. The average is around 3 per term, which would be about 100 hours of real life experience to add to your resume once you complete your education.
Internships can also be the doorway into future employment and other educational programs. The key to a successful internship is early planning. Contact the Student Success Center – 541-888-7405 - at least one term before you would like the internship to begin. Together we can link learning and life!
Office of Opportunity Programs
NEWMARK CENTER | 541-888-7123| step@socc.edu
STEP and JOBS are some of the many wonderful types of assistance the Office of Opportunity Programs has to offer! We also have a Career Pathway/GED Navigator, Resource Navigators, and a Vocational Rehabilitation Navigator to serve our students and community throughout all of Coos and Curry. Our Team is excited to help you find the resources you need to be successful and achieve your goals and dreams!
STEP Program
STEP at Southwestern (SNAP Training and Employment Program) is a program that supports SNAP recipients as they work towards completing degrees, certifications, or earning a GED at the college in both Coos and Curry counties. STEP services can include: tuition and book purchase assistance, equipment and supplies assistance, limited assistance with some bills (phone, internet), transportation assistance, help with resumes and job search, and much more! STEP can also refer students to other programs to access extra support services through the college and community.
JOBS Program
JOBS at Southwestern (Jobs Opportunity and Basic Skills) is a program designed to assist individuals receiving TANF and SNAP benefits return to the workforce and achieve self-sufficiency. The program has two main branches, Work Experience and JOBS Plus. In Work Experience, participants are assisted in gaining placement in real work positions, in an unpaid, part time capacity. Here they receive an opportunity to gain work experience, job skills and employment references in preparation for paid employment. In JOBS Plus, participants are assisted in gaining placement in paid full time employment positions, under 6-month worksite agreements. In both programs, participants receive coaching and support to help them succeed in these placements.
Student Government, Student Clubs, & Co-curricular Activities
EMPIRE HALL | 541-888-7316| kyle.croy@socc.edu
There are several official clubs at Southwestern and new clubs are created each year to meet the changing needs of students. The Associated Student Government of Southwestern Oregon Community College (ASG) is a recognized platform for student governance and the development of leadership. Students elect the ASG Class President each spring. ASG charters clubs and organizations on campus and organizes campus activities.
Ambassador Program
DELLWOOD HALL | 541-888-1595| jemiah.wassman@socc.edu
Student Ambassadors work directly with Admissions, First Stop, Financial Aid and Housing to help incoming students with the steps to enrollment at Southwestern. They help current students meet registration requirements for all terms and inform prospective students about Southwestern. This position offers hands-on experience in leadership, networking, marketing, recruiting, public relations and Customer Relationship Management software use. These skills will serve them throughout their personal and professional lives.