October 11, 2022 3:35 a.m.

Umpqua Community College has partnered with the University of Oregon to establish a grant-funded program benefitting students who struggle to pay tuition and are seeking industrial science careers.

A release said the Oregon Pathways to Industrial Research Careers guides students on a clear path from community college to master’s degrees and into high-demand, high-paying careers. The pathway is supported by scholarships totaling up to $45,000 per student, in addition to ongoing mentorship.

Mick Davis, UCC physics professor, said, “UCC is excited to be part of developing this unique program that is designed to help our students and our economy”. Davis said industrial research scientists are in demand and “…we are proud to be one of only three community colleges offering this supported pathway to those careers”. Davis said from the optics used in smartphones to the polymers and molecular sensors used in disease detection, these up-and-coming scientists will design, optimize and operate the industrial technologies of the future.

The release said the college will receive over $195,000 from the National Science Foundation, and over $130,000 will provide direct scholarships to UCC students over the next four years. The remaining balance will fund special transfer consultation and activities for students provided by the U of O and UCC, as well as mentorships by other students who are farther ahead in the program.

The scholarships will be awarded to UCC students entering their final year while on a path to the U of O. Students will complete a bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry or biochemistry and then transition to the Knight Campus Graduate Internship program. This program maintains a job placement rate of 90 percent.