Forging A Path in Computer Science with Scholarship Support

Growing up in Milwaukie, Ore., just 150 miles from Bend, second year student Dakota Rentz always knew college would be part of his future. What drew him to OSU-Cascades was the small classes and the chance to build meaningful connections with faculty.  

“The smaller, more personalized attention from professors has been a game changer for me,” he said. 

Now a computer science major, Dakota has discovered a community that challenges him academically while supporting his personal growth. He credits faculty like engineering instructor Dan White, who encouraged him to bring authenticity into the classroom, and political science professor Kyleanne Hunter, who offered him an internship with her organization, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.  

Scholarships have been central to his journey. As a recipient of the Leading Edge Scholarship and the Boyd Foundation Scholarship, Dakota notes, “This support has truly been a game changer. It’s given me the freedom to focus on my education without constantly worrying about the cost. Most importantly, it made it possible for me to attend college at all. Without such generous backing, my chances of being here would have been close to zero.” 

Looking ahead, Dakota plans to pursue a master’s degree in computer science. With faculty mentorship, career opportunities, and scholarship support, he feels confident in his path.  “OSU-Cascades provides great opportunities for students to get hands-on experience through its career center and research programs, and my scholarship makes it possible for me to take advantage of them without worrying as much about debt.”