OCCC nursing student earns Ford Opportunity Scholars scholarship
Newport student Darby Davis selected for scholarship from The Ford Family Foundation;
Oregon Coast Community College nursing student Darby Davis has been selected as a 2026 Ford Opportunity Scholar, an award that will support her as she enters her second year in OCCC’s Nursing program this fall.
Davis is no stranger to OCCC or to health care. Before entering the College’s Nursing program, she completed OCCC’s Medical Assisting program and went on to work as a Certified Medical Assistant for Lincoln County. In 2024, she was also one of two OCCC students selected for the All-Oregon Academic Team, which recognizes community college students for academic achievement, leadership and service.
Now, as she continues toward becoming a registered nurse, Davis is one of 90 students selected as new Ford Opportunity Scholars for the 2026-27 academic year.
Davis said she had seen The Ford Family Foundation scholarship opportunities promoted through Oregon Coast Community College. “But, at the time I did not realize there was an opportunity that applied to someone in my situation. I was actually helping my daughter, who was graduating from high school, complete her scholarship applications when I realized that the Ford Opportunity Scholarship could apply to me too. I remember telling her what a long shot I thought it was, so we were incredibly surprised and grateful when she was selected, and then about two weeks later, I found out that I had been selected as well.”
“Receiving this scholarship means so much to me,” she continued. “As an adult learner pursuing nursing, it gives me the opportunity to continue my education while working toward becoming a registered nurse and continuing to serve my community here on the Oregon Coast. I am incredibly grateful to The Ford Family Foundation for investing in students and families like ours, and I am honored to represent Oregon Coast Community College as a Ford Scholar.”
Excellence runs in the family
Kennedy — the daughter Darby was helping with her own scholarship application when she discovered the Ford Opportunity Scholarship — secured a Ford scholarship of her own. She was a student at Newport High School last year, and graduated with a number of college credits earned through Oregon Coast Community College.
But, the family tree has even deeper roots at OCCC. As Darby enters her second year of OCCC’s two-year nursing program, she does so alongside another daughter, Kieran Davis. Meanwhile, her oldest, Kiara Davis, Darby said, “is dual-enrolled at OSU and OCCC and is going to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy next year.”
The Ford Opportunity Scholars Program is one of four scholarship programs offered by The Ford Family Foundation. The program was established to support college students who face the additional responsibilities of being single parents and was expanded in 2021 to include parents of any age and adults over age 25 pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Ford Opportunity Scholars receive a renewable financial award of up to $40,000 per year. In addition to financial assistance, Scholars receive academic guidance, leadership development, personal and professional support, and access to the Ford Family alumni network.
Davis’ selection comes as The Ford Family Foundation welcomes 259 scholarship recipients from across Oregon and Siskiyou County, California, for the 2026-27 academic year. The Foundation selected 90 Ford Opportunity Scholars this year.
OCCC Nursing faculty member Willow Skye was not surprised at Davis’ award. “Darby is a mature, dedicated student who has approached nursing school with quiet determination and consistency,” she said. “She brings a calm, positive presence to the classroom and conducts herself with professionalism and respect. Nursing school requires resilience, and Darby has demonstrated that she possesses it. I am very pleased to see her recognized through this scholarship and believe she will carry that same dedication into her nursing career.”
Oregon Coast Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing designed to prepare graduates to become registered nurses. Beginning in Fall 2026, the College joins a consortium of Oregon community colleges in offering a brand-new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and the cohort is full for the inaugural program. Applications for the nursing program open every January.
About The Ford Family Foundation: The Ford Family Foundation believes in the power of rural communities. It is a private, nonprofit foundation proudly headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, serving rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Its investments through grants, scholarships and community building create the conditions so that children have the family, educational and community supports they need to succeed in life.