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.
EOPS staff members believe that participation in the various programs offered at BC helps to improve the lives of the students they serve and better their chances of success at the college level.
“The most difficult thing you can do is ask for help. It can be hard to even get out of bed in the morning and choose to carry on. This program truly changes the way you live, and what your future looks like,” said Shannon.
According to a brochure provided by EOPS, “(CARE) exists to provide child care grants and services for full-time, single-parent students who are on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.”
For additional information on CalWorks, CARE and EOPS, visit the EOPS office located on the second floor of the student services building. The office is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until noon. CalWorks may also be reached by phone at 395-4047, CARE at 395-4351 and EOPS at 395-4351.
Shannon further emphasized that it is imperative that needy students at BC be provided with adequate support while they attempt to improve their lives.
“Our faculty and the community need to be more supportive of what these students are doing. They are doing amazing things and trying to change the way they live, so they don’t have to be dependant on others the rest of their lives,” said Shannon.