SWOCC release - COOS BAY, OR – April is National Community College Month. Colleges statewide are celebrating our students’ success and the vital role we play in strengthening Oregon’s workforce, economy, and communities. As chair of the Southwestern Oregon Community College Board of Education, I and my six fellow board members are pleased to serve our college district and residents. We are fortunate every day to see the positive impact this college has in our coastal communities along Hwy 101 from Reedsport to Brookings and inland to Coquille, Myrtle Point, Agness, and Powers.  Statewide, community college’s serve more than 200,000 students annually with affordable, accessible education to students of all backgrounds. At SWOCC last year, more than 4,600 students enrolled in classes. The majority of these students work while going to college. They plan to gain two-year or transfer degrees in their chosen career pathways, or short-term specialized training tied directly to high-demand jobs.  SWOCC’s alums are small business owners. Nurses, commercial fisherman, firefighters, professional chefs. Many are office workers, medical and dental assistants, city managers, accountants, teachers, marine fabricators. SWOCC’s alumni are writers, counselors, EMTs, Biologists, corrections workers, coaches, police officers and bankers. Many more work in good jobs that support hundreds of families.  From healthcare to manufacturing, information technology to public service, no matter where you go in businesses and communities on the south coast, you will likely meet current and former students of this college. The economic impact of their success after SWOCC is significant.  When former students gain jobs, they earn higher wages and increase spending, which supports local business. As a result of their contributions, there’s less reliance on taxpayer-funded public assistance and less crime. They buy homes and commercial property. This creates a positive ripple effect in our towns for long-term economic stability.  Investing in community colleges means investing in Oregon’s future. Yes, property taxes fund 32% of the college’s budget. Tuition and fees fund 25% and the Oregon Legislature allocates the biggest share of support at 40%. This year, to fully fund Oregon’s 17 community colleges statewide requires the Legislature to approve a state investment of $920 million.  We are counting on it and urge the Legislature to fully support this workforce investment. This investment will have a tremendously positive impact for the future, particularly in our rural region of Oregon.  Sincerely, Marcia Jensen, Board Chair; Board members Maria Sudduth, Jeremy Skinner, Cal Mukumoto, Chris Haynsworth, Kathy Piper Erickson and Susan Anderson.