Santa Monica College CARE Program

Educating for Success - Santa Monica College CARE Program

Sometimes, breaking the cycle of welfare dependency starts with a quality education. That’s where Santa Monica College’s CARE (Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education) program comes in. The program assists academically underprepared, low-income single parents who are struggling to balance parenting with a full-time course load. Serving more than 55 participants, CARE helps students develop their full potential.

Debra Locke, student services specialist of Santa Monica College’s CARE and its state-offered parent program EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services), says both programs are vital in today’s economic environment. “We’re seeing a tremendous increase in older students coming back due to layoffs or to improve their skills to stay competitive in the workplace. Our programs help students realize they’re not alone in this – there are others who are also coming back as ‘new’ students in their 30s or 40s.” Services provided to students in the EOPS/CARE two-year programs include core-subject classes, counseling, tutoring, study skills, parenting classes, health-fee grants, bus passes or gas cards, and meal assistance. To be eligible, students must receive welfare or temporary assistance for needy families (TANF).

Santa Monica College also purchases textbooks for EOPS/CARE student loan and provides school supply packages to help students start the year off right.

“We give new students a lot of helpful supplies like pens, paper, backpacks, notepads and a USB drive,” said Locke, whose program received the flash drives via 4imprint’s one by one™ program. “It may seem so simple to give them something like a jump drive, but it lets them keep all their schoolwork in one place between school and home. It means a lot to our students.” Santa Monica College’s EOPS, now serving more than 1,600 students, and CARE programs have been very successful for the College, growing each year.

“The program makes a huge difference for students trying to succeed,” shares Locke. “It’s a place for them to find mutual support and camaraderie. It’s really exciting to see how they grow personally and academically while they’re here.”