Impact

Scholarships are just the beginning

Why it matters.

When students have to choose between buying textbooks or paying the electric bill, the Olympic College Foundation and our generous donors help through the Resource Center, providing everything from specialized supplies and gas cards to a textbook lending library. The Foundation also supports signature OC programs like the Yama archaeological field school and Baja engineering and design competition, provides Funds for Excellence grants to faculty with innovative ideas and supports the broader community through initiatives like Graduate Strong.

HERE ARE A FEW OUTSTANDING OC PROGRAMS THAT GET A BOOST FROM THE FOUNDATION:

Baja

OC is the only community college that participates in this annual international competition. Students across multiple disciplines design and build an off-road vehicle, then put it to the test in an endurance race.

Yama

Students at OC’s archaeological field school have uncovered 4,700 artifacts and a birthplace of Japanese American culture at the former Bainbridge Island village. Now the site is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.

Digital Filmmaking

OC’s groundbreaking digital filmmaking program puts professional equipment into students’ hands early in the program to prepare them to be the storytellers of tomorrow on new media platforms like Hulu and Netflix.

Art Gallery

OC’s new professional-level gallery is a showcase for student and professional work, providing students the opportunity to learn about installing and marketing exhibits and inviting collaboration with regional arts organizations.

Borderlands

The weeklong event brings students, faculty, staff and community members together to learn about diversity through workshops, talks, films, and written works, encouraging the OC community to be advocates for social justice.

Hall of Fame

In 2017 and 2018, we celebrated outstanding Ranger athletes past and present, such as “Slender Sprinter” Pete Dufour, who was a champion for OC in 1949-50 and is still running at 90. In 2019, we’ll be honoring outstanding OC alums in other fields.

Economic Impact

When it comes to attracting employers to Kitsap County, Olympic College is the region’s top selling point, according to John Powers, executive director of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance. A 2016 study commissioned by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges backs him up, pegging the total economic impact by OC, its students and its alumni at $412.4 million in 2014-15. For many students, an OC degree or technical certificate is a path to the middle class. And for area employers, including the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, OC grads are an important part of their workforce. Which is why Powers is such a booster: “I can’t overstate the value of Olympic College in contributing to the overall health and economic prosperity of our community.”

Spotlight

A few years ago, Destiny was on public assistance. Now, the mother of three has a full-time job and a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and technical management from Olympic College.

“My education at OC has totally changed my life,” she said. “I never thought I would get to go to college and I never even imagined I would be getting a bachelor’s degree.”

Read more student spotlight stories here.

Student Spotlights 07/18
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Students
received foundation scholarships in 2017-2018
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Students a year
get emergency help from S.I.N.G.

ROBERT B. STEWART DONATED

$3 MILLION

IN 2014, ENDOWING OUR LARGEST SCHOLARSHIP FUND

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Herbert H. Goodman
Scholarships Awarded since 2005

I want to transform a life.