CARE
Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)
CARE is a California State funded program designed to recruit and assist single parent recipients of CalWORKs. CARE provides support services and/or grant funds to assist single parents with academic support and financial assistance. All students who participate in the CARE program are both EOPS & CARE participants.
Who qualifies for CARE?
In addition, to meeting all EOPS eligibility requirements, CARE students must also:
- Receive cash aid assistance for themselves and/or their dependent(s)
- Have single parents status with a child/dependent 18 years of age or younger
What services are offered through the CARE Program?
- Academic & Personal Counseling
- Career Advising
- Referrals to county resources
- Meal Vouchers for on-campus dining
- Gas Cards
- Semesterly Parking Permit
- CARE Grant
- CARE Book Voucher
- CARE Study Sessions--with childcare & tutoring services provided.
- Workshops designed with the single parent in mind
- Backpacks with school supplies
How can I apply?
Students must meet all of the following EOPS eligibility requirements, as well as the CARE requirements, at the time of submitting the EOPS application:
- Must be a CA resident
OR
Qualify for CA residency under AB540 - Completed the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application for the 2025-2026
- Qualify for the CA Promise Grant
Method A, B, or C with 0 to -1500 Student Aid Index (SAI) - Full-time student enrolled in at least 12-units
- Waitlisted courses will NOT fulfill this requirement
- Students with disabilities who are enrolled in less than 12 units may submit a Reduced Load Recommendation Form completed by an A.R.C. counselor. Email form requests to grossmont.eops@gcccd.edu with "Reduced Units" as the subject line. - Completed less than 45-degree applicable college units at the time of applying to
EOPS AND Not have earned an associate degree or higher
- Must have all official college transcripts for college credits earned from other institutions on file in Admissions & Records before EOPS application is processed
AND one or more of the following:
- A demonstrated educational disadvantage
- A member of an underrepresented group targeted by Grossmont College's equity goals
- Graduated high school with a GPA below 2.5
- Previously enrolled in basic skills or remedial education courses in high school or a former college
- English is not the first-language spoken at home
- First generation-college student
(Neither parent or legal guardian have attained a college education) - Current or former foster youth
- Homeless or at-risk of being homeless
Students must meet all of the above EOPS eligibility requirements, as well as the CARE requirements, at the time of submitting the EOPS application.
Apply Here: Fall 2025 EOPS/CARE Application
July 1 - August 22 (closes at 4pm)
Once accepted, you must attend a mandatory EOPS/CARE Orientation following your approval into the program. Please remember to bring your picture ID.
*** CARE Families Donations ***
As our single-parent students work towards earning their college education, they face challenges for themselves and their children.
Throughout the year, we put events together, such as our Holiday Event, to provide resources for our students and their children, ages 0-18 years old. We gladly accept monetary donations, gift cards and/or gift certificates, and in-kind donations.
- Monetary donations can be made to the GCCCD Foundation Account: Grossmont College - CARE Families --- https://tinyurl.com/5n668ncv
- Gift Cards and Gift Certificates (or any other donations) can be dropped off or sent
to:
Grossmont College CARE Program
Building 60 – Room 125 (EOPS/CARE Office)
8800 Grossmont College Dr.
El Cajon, CA 92020
All donations will directly benefit our students and their children. Students are provided with food vouchers, gas cards, grocery cards, and personal care products to assist with the food and housing insecurities they face.