Student-Parent Support

Before looking anywhere else, start here. SWC has programs and people on campus specifically dedicated to helping student-parents succeed. From registering for classes at the best possible time to finding food, child care, and financial support, these resources are available to you as an enrolled student. 

Resource	What Is It?	Contact
Priority Registration	Student-parents with a dependent child under 18 qualify for Group 1 priority registration — the highest level available at SWC. This means you register for classes before most other students, giving you the best chance of building a schedule that works around your family's needs. To activate this benefit, you must first complete Orientation, Placement, and a Student Education Plan (SEP).	Admissions & Records (619) 482-6488
SWC Cares	SWC Cares is a campus-wide initiative that connects students with resources for food, housing, transportation, technology, emergency funds, and more. A County Human Services Specialist is available on-site to help you apply for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs. If you are not sure where to start, completing a Basic Needs Request Form is a great first step. A Student Services Specialist will follow up with you to discuss your options.	619) 421-6700 ext. 5404
Jag Kitchen	The Jag Kitchen is SWC's free on-campus food pantry, available to all currently enrolled students. No proof of income or eligibility forms are required — just bring your student ID. The pantry offers fresh produce, shelf-stable items, hygiene products, and menstrual supplies. The Jag Kitchen is located in Building 67-172 on the Chula Vista campus. Kitchenettes are also available at the National City and San Ysidro Higher Education Centers.	619) 421-6700 ext. 5878
Child Development Center	The SWC Child Development Center provides affordable, high-quality on-campus child care for children ages 2 to 5. The Center has been continuously accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for over 15 years, reflecting its commitment to excellence in early childhood education. The Center serves SWC students, staff, and members of the surrounding community. Full-day and half-day options are available Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters.	(619) 216-6695
CalWORKS at SWC	Already receiving CalWORKs assistance? SWC has a program specifically designed to help CalWORKs students succeed in college. Academic counseling, priority registration, funds for child care and transportation, textbook coverage, and work-study opportunities are all available to you. A dedicated team of counselors and specialists is here to help you balance your county requirements with your academic goals.	(619) 482-6510
Financial Aid Office	As a student-parent, you may be eligible for financial aid adjustments that other students do not qualify for. The Financial Aid Office can review your Cost of Attendance (COA) and adjust your budget to reflect your real expenses — including child care, housing, and transportation costs. A higher COA may increase the amount of aid you are eligible to receive. Ask about the Cost of Attendance Adjustment and the Dependent Care Allowance when you visit.	(619) 482-6357

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There is money available to help you pay for school. Most of it is free, meaning you never pay it back. Apply for the FAFSA or CADAA every year to be considered. As a student-parent, you may qualify for more than other students because of your family size and financial need.

Program	What You Can Get?
Pell Grant	The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program and is usually the foundation of a student's financial aid package. It is free money from the federal government that you do not need to pay back. Eligibility is based on your financial need, enrollment level, and cost of attendance. As a student-parent, your family size is factored into your eligibility, which may increase the amount you receive.
FAFSA	The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to all federal and most state financial aid programs. You must complete it every year to be considered for grants, work-study, and loans. Use SWC's school code: 001294. Filing early gives you the best chance of receiving the most aid available to you.
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)	The California Dream Act Application is for AB540-eligible students who do not have a valid Social Security Number. It allows you to apply for state financial aid programs including the California College Promise Grant, Cal Grants, and Chafee Grants. If you are AB540 and a U.S. citizen, you should complete the FAFSA instead.
Cal Grant + Dependent Children Award	The Cal Grant is a state-funded grant that does not have to be repaid. As a student-parent with a dependent child under 18 for whom you provide more than half of their financial support, you may qualify for a supplemental Dependent Children Award of up to $6,000 per year on top of your regular Cal Grant. A GPA verification form may be required if your school has not already submitted it automatically.
Chafee Grant	The Chafee Grant is available to current and former foster youth under the age of 26. It provides up to $5,000 per year for up to five years to help cover tuition, living expenses, and other college costs. You must complete the FAFSA or CADAA to apply, and you must be enrolled at least half-time.
Federal Work-Study	Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment opportunities on and near campus for students with financial need. It is a great way to earn money to help cover your expenses while staying connected to the campus community. Work-Study must be included in your financial aid award package and you must be enrolled in at least 6 units to participate.

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Going to school while raising a family comes with real financial demands. The programs below are designed to help with some of those costs — from food and health coverage to child care assistance. Many student-parents qualify for more than one, so it is worth exploring what may be available to you.

Resource	What Is It?
CalFresh	CalFresh provides monthly food benefits loaded onto an EBT card that can be used at most grocery stores and farmers markets. It is designed to help low-income individuals and families access healthy, nutritious food. Eligibility is based on income and household size.
CalWORKS	A state program that provides monthly cash assistance to low-income families with at least one child at home. It can help cover rent, food, clothing, and other basic needs. You may also qualify for child care and transportation support.​
San Diego WIC	Provides monthly food benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant individuals, new parents, and children up to age 4. Benefits are loaded onto a California WIC card and can be used to purchase healthy foods at participating stores.
Medi-Cal	Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health insurance to low-income individuals and families. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, mental health services, and pregnancy care. Eligibility is based on income and household size.
Covered California	Covered California is the state's health insurance marketplace. It offers a range of affordable health plans for individuals and families who do not qualify for Medi-Cal. Financial assistance is available to help lower your monthly premium — some plans are available for less than $10 per month.
San Diego 211	San Diego 211 is a free, confidential resource and referral service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By calling 2-1-1, you can connect with trained specialists who can help you find local resources for food, housing, child care, mental health services, and more.
CA Child Care Referral Network	The California Child Care Resource and Referral Network helps families find licensed, quality child care providers in their area. Specialists are available to help you understand your options and identify programs that may offer financial assistance.
Head Start/ Early Head Start	Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded programs that provide free, comprehensive early education and child care for children from birth to age 5 from low-income families. Programs also include health screenings, meals, and family support services.
CalWORKS Child Care	Families enrolled in the CalWORKs program may qualify for subsidized child care for children from birth to age 12. This benefit is designed to support parents in pursuing education, job training, or employment while ensuring their children are in a safe, nurturing environment.

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Tax season can actually work in your favor as a student-parent. There are several federal and state tax credits available that can put real money back in your pocket when you file your taxes. Many student-parents qualify for more than one of these credits at the same time, and the amounts can be significant. If you need free help filing your taxes, VITA volunteers are available to assist you at no cost.

Credit	What Can You Get?
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)	The Federal EITC is one of the largest tax credits available to working individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. Depending on your income and the number of children you have, you may receive up to $8,046 back when you file your federal taxes. You do not need to owe taxes to receive this credit. It is also refundable, meaning it can result in a refund even if you owe nothing.
California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)	California's version of the EITC provides an additional credit of up to $3,756 when you file your state taxes. You may qualify for both the Federal EITC and CalEITC at the same time, which can significantly increase your total refund.
Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC)	If you qualify for the CalEITC and have a child under the age of 6, you may be eligible for an additional credit of up to $1,189. This credit is specifically designed to provide extra support to families with young children.
Child Tax Credit (CTC)	The federal Child Tax Credit provides up to $1,700 per qualifying child when you file your federal taxes. This credit is partially refundable, meaning you may receive some or all of it as a refund even if you do not owe federal taxes.
Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC)	f you paid for child care for a child under 13 while you worked, attended school full-time, or looked for work, you may be able to claim a credit on your federal taxes. This credit is specifically intended to offset the cost of child care for working and student-parents.
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)	The American Opportunity Tax Credit provides up to $2,500 per year for qualified education expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Up to $1,000 of this credit is refundable, meaning you may receive it as a refund even if you owe no taxes. This credit is available for the first four years of higher education.
Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)	The Lifetime Learning Credit reduces your federal tax liability by up to $2,000 per year for qualified education expenses. Unlike the AOTC, there is no limit on the number of years you can claim this credit, making it a good option for students who have already used the AOTC.
Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC)	Current and former foster youth between the ages of 18 and 25 may qualify for a California state tax credit of up to $1,189. This credit can also be claimed retroactively for up to three prior tax years if you missed it in the past.
Free Tax Filing - VITA	The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation services for individuals and families who meet income requirements. Trained and certified volunteers help you file accurately and make sure you receive every credit you are entitled to.
Free Online Filing - MyFreeTaxes	MyFreeTaxes, powered by United Way, allows eligible individuals to file both federal and state taxes online for free. It is a simple, guided process that helps ensure you do not miss any credits or deductions you qualify for.

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