2025 Donor Letter
Rogue Community College Earns National Recognition for Opportunity and Impact
In 2025, Rogue Community College (RCC) earned one of higher education’s most prestigious honors: recognition by the Carnegie Foundation as an Opportunity College.
The only public community college in Oregon to receive this distinction,
RCC is celebrated as a national model for expanding student access, success and economic mobility.
Unlike traditional rankings, this classification measures how well a college reflects its community and whether its graduates earn 25% more than the local average—proving its power to drive upward mobility.
This honor affirms RCC’s mission to transform lives through education and lead the way in creating opportunity for Southern Oregon and beyond.
Donors like you make a difference in the lives of our RCC students
When Ms. Wheeler first enrolled at Rogue Community College, she carried the weight of uncertainty. As an unaccompanied youth and first-generation college student, she worked multiple jobs while trying to pay rent, attend class and plan for her future.
Then came a life-changing moment.
“When I learned I’d received multiple scholarships through the Rogue Community College Foundation that would cover the cost of my tuition, it felt like one of the greatest gifts I had ever received. I have depended on scholarships and financial assistance to continue my education. These awards have not only helped me pay for college—they’ve truly changed my life and opened doors to things I never thought were possible.”
With donor-funded scholarships, Ms. Wheeler earned two associate degrees and, in June 2025, proudly crossed the graduation stage. This fall, she entered the dental hygiene program, preparing for a career with a living wage—a job that fills a critical workforce need in our region.
Ms. Wheeler’s story represents students whose lives have been transformed by their RCC education along with the generosity of RCC Foundation donors.
RCC Enrollment and Career Pathways Continue to Grow
RCC’s enrollment has continued to outpace state averages, especially in our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These hands-on programs—such as healthcare, transportation, manufacturing and technology—prepare students for high-demand, high-wage jobs that are vital to the economic health of our valley.
Students trained at RCC go on to fill critical roles in hospitals, classrooms, repair shops and local businesses—fueling a stronger workforce and a more resilient Southern Oregon.
Unprecedented Times Require Unwavering Support
These are challenging times for higher education in Oregon. Community colleges are navigating declining state support. On top of that, RCC has seen some of the largest increases in student enrollment across the state and have exceeded the reimbursement cap provided to colleges. This means that RCC doesn’t receive state reimbursement for up to 25% of our students. Yet RCC continues to meet these challenges head-on—expanding access, supporting career training and aligning programs with local workforce demand.
To continue this vital work, we need your partnership. Your investment ensures that students like Ms. Wheeler can complete their education and enter the workforce prepared for meaningful, in-demand careers.
Together, We’re Reaching New Heights
This year, the RCC Foundation Scholarship Committee has already awarded nearly $1 million in scholarships—and we are well on our way to reaching our goal of $1.2 million by the end of the school year.
These scholarships represent hundreds of individual acts of hope, generosity, and belief in our students’ potential. Your gifts directly change lives. When our students succeed, our entire region thrives.
Join Us in Changing More Lives
As we approach the end of the year, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to the Rogue Community College Foundation. Every dollar you give helps students achieve their educational dreams and build stronger futures for themselves, their families and our community.
Your gift creates opportunities. Your support changes lives.
Ways to Give:
- Online: Foundation website
- By mail: Rogue Community College Foundation
3345 Redwood Highway, Grants Pass, OR 97527 - By phone: 541-956-7327
To discuss other giving opportunities: Contact Cass Sinclair, MBA, Executive Director call: 541-956-7291 or email: [email protected]
Thank you for all you do in helping to make Rogue Community College a place of opportunity—for everyone.
P.S. If you’re at least age 70½, you may be able to donate your IRA, 401(k), or 403(b) required minimum distribution (RMD) directly to the Rogue Community College Foundation as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) — which may not be taxed. Please consult your plan administrator for details.
