Local College Scholarships – Soroptimist

Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls is proud of its long standing relationship with our local colleges. Throughout the years, our organization has provided funds to each education institution’s Foundation. The scholarship application process and awards are managed by the local college.

Oregon Institute of Technology

When the former Marine Barracks became Oregon Technical Institute (OTI) Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls established the Soroptimist Nursing scholarship, which by 1951 reached $1,000 a year. By the 1970’s the club pledged $10,000 for a Presidential Scholarship.
Each year Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls donates a significant portion of their service budget to fund OIT scholarships. By 2020 over $105,000 scholarship dollars have been awarded to over 50 women through our Soroptimist contributions.

From 2013 – 2021 we partnered with the Columbia Pacific Foundation pledging to match their $5,000 scholarship each year. In 2021 Columbia Pacific Foundation disbanded their match but Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls continues to contribute an additional $5,000 scholarship.

In addition to the annual scholarship, in 2007 Soroptimist pledged $50,000 to OIT for the new Dow Center for Health Professionals in honor of our member Martha Ann Dow.

First place of $1500 goes to Melissa Hawkins of Merrill. She is the single parent of a 3 year old son. Melissa is taking classes from University of Phoenix online, and is set to obtain her associates degree in Business in May 2009. She also works full time, sings in her church choir, and is a licensed florist. Her goal is to become a real estate appraiser.

Melissa Hawkins

Florist

Klamath Community College

Soroptimist of Klamath Falls began their scholarship partnership with Klamath Community College in 2006 with a donation of $8,000. By the fiscal year-end 2021 twenty-four students have received scholarships and the endowment has grown to over $31,250. Each year KCC awards at least 2 Soroptimist scholarships for $1,000 each.

Scholarship criteria:
A. Candidates shall be residents of the Klamath Basin (Klamath, Lake, Modoc or Siskiyou Counties)
B. Candidates shall demonstrate financial need
C. Candidates shall show academic potential to perform college level work
D. Candidates shall be full time female students with a declared program of study

A written application is required along with a transcript and a letter of recommendation.

The KCC Foundation posts their available scholarships in the fall term and are awarded for winter and spring terms.

For more information visit Klamath Community College Foundation website