2008 Woodie Awards
Programs to help students in many different ways
Steven C. Vogel
Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Campus
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Bakersfield College students choose to further their education for a variety of reasons, and they represent a number of ethnic and economical backgrounds.
CalWorks, Extended Opportunity Program and Services and the Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education program both aim to assist students in need of a helping hand.
"We want to assist with all areas of their (BC students) life. If they have issues at home, they will have issues at school. Because we want our students to be successful, we need to take steps to break down those barriers," said Antonio Alfaro, BC CalWorks job development specialist.
CalWorks is funded by the Department of Human Services, while CARE funding is provided by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office and administered by EOPS.
According to Alfaro, in order to be eligible for the CalWorks program you must be receiving CalWorks benefits from the Kern County Department of Human Services, in full compliance with DHS and Welfare to Work Plan and be enrolled and attending classes at BC.
EOPS department assistant Tracy Shannon added that students enrolled in the CalWorks program go through many steps in order to obtain acceptance for need-based assistance.
"These students truly amaze me… They have to jump through so many hoops in order to get much-needed help as they try to take steps to better their lives," said Shannon.
CalWorks offers childcare referrals, financial aid advising, career development and leadership workshops, off-campus job placement, on-campus work-study programs, classes in basic reading, math, English, and job training leading toward employment and educational advancements.
In contrast, the CARE program offers peer mentoring, childcare assistance, referrals for tutoring services and parenting classes for single-parent families.
CARE eligibility is determined by a number of factors, including the receipt of welfare assistance, California residency, eligibility for and awarded financial aid, be eligible for EOPS, and have yet to complete 70 units of coursework.
CalWorks, Extended Opportunity Program and Services and the Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education program both aim to assist students in need of a helping hand.
"We want to assist with all areas of their (BC students) life. If they have issues at home, they will have issues at school. Because we want our students to be successful, we need to take steps to break down those barriers," said Antonio Alfaro, BC CalWorks job development specialist.
CalWorks is funded by the Department of Human Services, while CARE funding is provided by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office and administered by EOPS.
According to Alfaro, in order to be eligible for the CalWorks program you must be receiving CalWorks benefits from the Kern County Department of Human Services, in full compliance with DHS and Welfare to Work Plan and be enrolled and attending classes at BC.
EOPS department assistant Tracy Shannon added that students enrolled in the CalWorks program go through many steps in order to obtain acceptance for need-based assistance.
"These students truly amaze me… They have to jump through so many hoops in order to get much-needed help as they try to take steps to better their lives," said Shannon.
CalWorks offers childcare referrals, financial aid advising, career development and leadership workshops, off-campus job placement, on-campus work-study programs, classes in basic reading, math, English, and job training leading toward employment and educational advancements.
In contrast, the CARE program offers peer mentoring, childcare assistance, referrals for tutoring services and parenting classes for single-parent families.
CARE eligibility is determined by a number of factors, including the receipt of welfare assistance, California residency, eligibility for and awarded financial aid, be eligible for EOPS, and have yet to complete 70 units of coursework.
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