Alejandro Velazquez knows what it’s like to struggle toward a dream. In his plan, 2014 was supposed to be a breakthrough year, the launch of his post-high school soccer career as a freshman at California State University in Monterey Bay. Alejandro’s sports-loving family nurtured his love of soccer and other sports, cheering him on through years of play in championship club teams. He was ready... Read more
Question: What does Southern Oregon HOPE get when it connects underprivileged people to livable wage jobs in a worker-strapped industry? Answer: Students equipped with poverty-ending, life-changing skills, an industry equipped with skilled workers—and recognition as a finalist in the 2021 Bellwether Award. Southern Oregon Health Occupations Poverty Elimination, or SOHOPE, is a grant-funded program of Rogue Community College. Since 2016, it has provided low-income students... Read more
GRANTS PASS — Rogue Community College broke ground April 1, 2021, on construction of a new 17,200-square-foot Redwood Campus Science Center. The $8.5 million facility is set to open to students in fall of 2022. The Redwood Campus Science Center is the final major project funded by a $20 million bond passed in 2016 by voters within the RCC Service District, which includes both Jackson and... Read more
By Julia Fisher, RCC Counseling There are a lot of polarizing thoughts about food. What is good for us? What is bad for us? The answer to these questions comes down to this: What are your goals with the food that you eat? For instance, are you interested in providing fuel for your body and brain so that you have energy to get through the day? Are you trying to... Read more
Rogue Community College health care programs are hosting “Fast Track to Health Care Careers,” a virtual event from 5:30-7 p.m. March 18, 2021, where students and members of the public can learn from local employers about job opportunities in the health care field and training programs at RCC. Local employers need well-trained employees and community colleges play a large role in responding to industry demand, especially in times... Read more
GRANTS PASS — Rogue Community College announces Ruth Swain as new director of the RCC Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Swain, who recently served as interim director of the Mt. Hood Community College SBDC, brings nearly 30 years of success in managing and leading initiatives for business and community development. She succeeds Ron Goss who recently retired after more than a decade with the RCC SBDC. Swain has extensive training... Read more
In 1970, Mary Slayter was already a role model for young women. She spent a decade earning two college degrees while raising three children, eventually securing a full-time teaching job at Grants Pass High School. Mary believed in the power of education. Which is why, when Rogue Community College opened its doors, Mary wanted in. “I enjoyed teaching at Grants Pass High School, but the... Read more
Question: What makes a great athlete? Answer: A great student. Last year at Rogue Community College, a record-breaking 11 student athletes earned All Academic Standing in the Northwest Athletic Conference. Previously, the highest number of RCC athletes to earn the recognition in one year was five. In order to qualify for All Academic Standing, students must complete at least 36 credits, have a GPA or 3.25 or higher, and have... Read more
The RCC Diversity Programming Board invites you to join Courageous Conversations for a community discussion on “Black History Month: Did You Know?” Join this event via Zoom from 12-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021. We are exploring systemic oppression in this ongoing monthly discussion led by the Rev. Ernestine Flemister, the Rev. Ryan Scott, the Rev. Tom Berry and Sally Snyder, RCC Coordinator of Diversity Programming. No matter where you... Read more
By Steve Foster, Instructor and Department ChairRCC Manufacturing, Engineering Technology & Mechatronics In January 2021, Rogue Community College became the only community college in Oregon to have a Markforged Metal X in-house for faculty and student use. How did this come to be? Well, it began like so…. 3D printing, also referred to in the manufacturing industry as additive manufacturing, is currently being used in... Read more