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
541-888-7185
Southwestern's College Now program provides high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while fulfilling high school graduation requirements. Students can begin taking college-level courses towards a professional certificate, and/or an associate or bachelor's degree while still enrolled in high school.
College Now program options include:
- Dual Credit: College credit classes taught at the high school by qualified high school instructors
- Expanded Options: College courses taught by the Southwestern instructors at the college or online.
- Students must be at least 16 years of age to participate in Expanded Options courses.
- Enhanced Options: College credit courses taught at or for the high school by Southwestern instructors.
Credits earned through College Now are recorded on the students' official Southwestern transcript. Transferability of credits is determined by the receiving institution. Course offerings vary by high school. Course offerings vary by high school.
For more information, contact the high school counseling office or the Southwestern College Now office at 541-888-7185 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 $360,106 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
541-888-7123
Southwestern Oregon Community College offers opportunity programs designed to help students overcome barriers, stay enrolled, and reach their academic and career goals. Through coordinated support services, coaching, and connections to campus and community resources, these programs help students persist, graduate, and transition into meaningful employment. Key programs include the SNAP Training & Employment Program (STEP) and Basic Needs and Resource Navigation services.
STEP (SNAP Training & Employment Program) - step@socc.edu | 541-888-7123
STEP is a free, voluntary program for eligible students who receive Oregon SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Students receive enhanced coaching to develop an education and career plan as well as support services to help them stay on track in school. STEP can assist with books, tools and supplies, transportation, career readiness, and much more.
Basic Needs & Resource Navigation - benefitsnavigator@socc.edu | 541-888-7462
Southwestern's Resource Navigation Team helps connect students to essential supports so they can stay focused on their education. Through personalized guidance, students can access resources such as food assistance, housing supports, technology, financial help, and other campus and community services.
Students can also visit the SPOT, Southwestern's FREE student pantry, where registered students can pick up food, toiletries, and hygiene items to help support their well-being while attending college.
Student Government, Student Clubs, & Co-curricular Activities
EMPIRE HALL 203 | 541-888-7316 |
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 |
Student Ambassadors work directly with Admissions, Student Success Center, 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.