2026 OCCC Foundation Scholarship Application

2026-27 Scholarship Application
The application deadline is 11:59 PST on May 1, 2026.

All applications are treated as confidential. Applicant names are removed from responses during the scholarship review and award process.

Applicants are asked not to use generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) to write essay responses. Essays should reflect your own experiences, voice, and perspective. If you need help brainstorming ideas or understanding the questions, please contact the Foundation Office for assistance.

General Information

Complete this application if you plan to attend Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) during the 2026–27 academic year and will be enrolled in at least 6 credits per term. This includes:
- New students
- Returning OCCC students
- Students who have applied to, but not yet been accepted into, the Nursing or Aquarium Science programs
To be eligible, students must:
- Be seeking a degree or certificate, or be enrolled in the GED program
- Have a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Successfully complete at least 67% of attempted credits each term in order to continue receiving scholarship funding from term to term
You will need your OCCC Student ID number to complete this application. This seven-digit number can be found on your printable schedule, or you may call 541-867-8501 for assistance.

If you do not yet have an OCCC Student ID number, you may apply for admission at:
www.oregoncoast.edu/apply

If you need assistance with this application, please make an appointment with a Student Success Coach by clicking here: https://oregoncoast.edu/advising/.

Important Financial Aid Information

To be considered for need-based scholarships, you must complete either:

the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). Online applications are available at:

https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

www.oregonstudentaid.gov/fafsa-orsaa.aspx

These applications are used to calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI), which helps determine financial need and is considered by the Scholarship Committee as part of the eligibility review.

If you have questions about financial aid, please make an appointment to meet with a Student Success Coach by clicking here: https://oregoncoast.edu/advising/.

OCCC Foundation Scholarships

These scholarships are made possible through generous donations to the Oregon Coast Community College Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing educational opportunities at OCCC by raising funds to support college needs and increasing public awareness of the College and its many benefits.

Your application will be reviewed by members of the OCCC Foundation Scholarship Committee using a holistic evaluation process that may include:
- Essay responses, evaluated primarily on content; however, poor spelling or grammar may result in a lower score
- Financial need, based on your Student Aid Index (SAI) as calculated from your FAFSA or ORSAA
- Additional criteria, depending on the specific eligibility requirements of individual scholarships
Non-Discrimination Statement

Oregon Coast Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or family relationship (ORS 659.340) in admission and access to, or treatment in, employment, educational programs, or activities, as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; and their implementing regulations.
First Name*
Last Name*
Street / PO Box*
City*
State*
Zip Code*
County*
What is your gender?*
Email *
Phone Number*
Phone Number
Are you a veteran, current member of the armed forces, or family member (spouse, child or grandchild)?

YesNo
Upload a photo of yourself (please smile with your face clearly visible - no hats, sunglasses, filters, etc.)*

Please upload a high-resolution photo with clear view of your face (no hats, filters, stickers, etc.)Your photo will be sent with your thank you note to scholarship donors upon award of your application.
Cancelof
Important Note: Please review your contact information carefully to ensure that it is complete and accurate. Recipients will be notified of their award status via email and if we are unable to contact you, you will not receive an award.
Academic Information
OCCC Student ID
Your OCCC Student ID is a seven digit number that may be found on your printable schedule. If you cannot locate your ID number, or do not have one, put N/A.

You may apply for admission at www.oregoncoast.edu/apply.
What type of student are you? (Select all answers that apply to your situation)*

I am currently a high school senior who will graduate this yearI intend to earn a degree or certificate at OCCCI intend to transfer to a four year college or universityI have earned a degree or certificate from another college or universityI am currently enrolled in GED classesOther
Contact Information
Area of Study*
Have you been officially admitted to the Aquarium Science program?*
If you are not admitted to the Aquarium Science program, do you plan to attend OCCC anyway?*
Have you been officially admitted to the Nursing Program?*
Nursing student*

Will be first year in 2026-27Will be second year in 2026-27
If you are not admitted to the Nursing program, do you plan to attend OCCC anyway?*
Are planning to take an art class at OCCC?

YesNo
Education History
What high school did you (or will you) graduate from?*
What is your cumulative GPA?*
Did you earn a GED or complete ABE/GED courses at OCCC?*

YesNo
GED graduates, what is your total combined GED score?
Financials
If you completed the FAFSA, please provide your SAI (Student Aid Index). Please write N/A if you did not complete the FAFSA*
Will you receive the following aid for the 2025-2026 school year? (Select all that apply.)*

Oregon PromiseOregon Opportunity GrantFederal Pell GrantVeterans Education BenefitsOregon Coast ScholarsOCCC Tuition WaiverNone of the AboveOther
Essay Questions

Please be detailed yet concise in your response to the following questions. The scholarship committee will evaluate the content and quality of your answers as well as how well you express yourself.
What are your specific educational plans and career goals, and what motivated you to choose them? What personal experiences have inspired you to pursue these goals? (200 word limit)*

200 word limit0/200
Describe a meaningful contribution you have made to your family and/or community. What encouraged you to take this action and what impact did it have? (200 word limit)*

200 word limit0/200
Share a personal accomplishment or achievement you are proud of and describe the key strengths and skills you used to reach your goal(s). (200 word limit)*

200 word limit0/200
Describe a significant challenge or change that has occurred in your life. How did you handle it, and what did the experience teach you about who you are? (200 word limit)*

200 word limit0/200
Scholarship Eligibility

Some scholarships require applicants to meet extra eligibility requirements. Select the descriptions that apply to you. If none apply to you, you may still be eligible for an OCCC Foundation Scholarship.
Select all of the following that apply to you:*

I am a first-generation college student (neither parent earned a degree)I am a single parentI plan to study business (degree or certificate)I am from or currently live in south Lincoln County (Yachats, Waldport, Seal Rock areas)I am over the age of 30I am a GED studentI identify as LGBTQIA+I am from or currently live in ToledoI am bilingualNone of these apply to me
Define women's equal rights and how they are important to you in your life. (200 word limit)

0/200
In what ways have you demonstrated, or intend to demonstrate, your support of women's equal rights? (200 word limit)

200 word limit0/200
Verification and Authorization
My electronic signature below affirms the following (must check all boxes):*

All information provided on this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.I authorize the release of information on this application and other necessary academic information to the OCCC Foundation, the scholarship committee, and individual scholarship donors.I understand the OCCC Foundation has the right to revoke any scholarship opportunity if it is discovered that I intentionally falsified or misinterpreted information on this application, or I no longer meet the requirements at the time of awarding.
I authorize the OCCC Foundation to use my photograph and/or use quotes from my application for purposed deemed appropriate by the College and/or Foundation.

YesNo
Student Signature*

First NameLast Name
Date*

MonthDayYear
Next Steps
You will be notified via email if you have been selected to receive a scholarship award. We anticipate making scholarship offers by June 1, 2026. If you are a current OCCC student, this notification will be sent to your OCCC email address, so please check this email regularly.

If you receive an award, you will be asked to write a short thank you note to the donor(s).

Award recipients will need to return a signed acceptance form. If documentation is not received on time, the scholarship may be offered to an alternative recipient.
Enter the word(s) you see here*
Should be Empty:

2026-27 Scholarship Application

Academic Information

Contact Information

Education History

Financials

Essay Questions

Scholarship Eligibility

Verification and Authorization

Next Steps