Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS/CARE)

Helping Those in Need to Succeed

Looking for extra support to help get you through school? Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS). This program provides many services for low-income and disadvantaged students.

Our goal is to help provide accessible education to students who are less prone to attend college. We also understand that support means more than helping you in the classroom. EOPS can help you with everything from counseling to financial aid to tutoring — and more.

EOPS is a state-funded, special assistance program. You will need to apply for consideration. Read on for more information on eligibility requirements, what services are available, and how to chat with our EOPS staff.

Watch this short video to learn more about EOPS:

Cranium Cafe Chat

To connect with an EOPS staff member via Cranium Cafe Chat please click on the Cranium Cafe Chat Lobby. Our current Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 hours are:

Monday & Tuesday: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Wednesday & Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

EOPS Eligibility

Currently, EOPS services are offered to students who meet all of the following criteria:

• Residents of California or be classified AB540
• Enrolled full-time (12 or more units) when accepted into the EOPS program (6 units if you have certification from DSS Office)
• Not have completed more than 58 degree-applicable units. This includes course work completed at all colleges previously attended
• Qualified to receive a California College Promise Grant (CCPG) A or B; AND
• Judged to be educationally disadvantaged.

How is educationally disadvantaged determined?

Students must meet ONE of the following

• No high school diploma or GED
• High school GPA less than 2.50
• Previously enrolled in basic skill courses
• Is first in the family to attend college
• Speaks a language other than English at home

EOPS also oversees additional programs that you may be eligible for:

CARE Program: The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program is comprised solely of Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) students who are also single parents receiving public assistance. Benefits include personal and academic counseling and grants.

Eligibility	Application	Contact Us
Single Parent Have a child 18 years or younger Head of Household Receiving Cash Aid for themselves or their dependents Have an open case with the Department of Health and Human Services	We are currently accepting application for the Spring 2025 Semester, please click on this link to submit your CARE Application.	Counselors & Staff:  Counselor: Veronica Rosales vrosales@swccd.edu  Staff: Jayden Logan jlogan@swccd.edu  CARE Program General Email: swccare@swccd.edu You may also call the EOPS department at 619-482-6456 or chat with us at EOPS Lobby

 

Fresh Success Program: Federally-funded, CalFresh Employment & Training program specifically aimed to support students pursuing a career education degree. To learn more about career education degrees, please visit Career Education. 

Eligibility	Application	Contact Us
Must be an EOPS Student Must be a resident of San Diego County Must be eligible for CalFresh but not receiving CalWORKs Must be registered in one or more of the following courses: ESL, Career Education, and Basic Skills If you are not receiving CalFresh but would like to apply, please visit GetCalFresh	The Fresh Success Program is currently in hiatus. Please check back in the Spring 2025 semester.	For more information on the Fresh Success program, or to apply, email us at swcfreshsuccess@swccd.edu

 

NextUP & Guardian Scholars Program: The NextUP and the Guardian Scholars Program is designed to support current and former foster youth whom are attending Southwestern College. Benefits include personal and academic counseling, access to on and off campus resources, grants, book service, and life skill workshops. 

Eligibility	Application	Contact  Us
Be current or former foster youth and under the age of 26 at the beginning of the academic year  (July 1, 2023) Be a California Resident or AB540 Eligible for California College Promise Grant (CCPG) Method A, B, or C Have NOT completed more than 70-degree applicable units, including course work at other colleges or university previously attended Must provide a Ward of the Court Letter Enrolled in 2 or more units	We are currently accepting application for the Spring 2024, please click on this link to submit your Foster Youth Application.	Counselors & Staff: Counselor: Michelle Montano mmontano@swccd.edu Staff: Angel Salazar asalazar@swccd.edu NextUP General Email: swcnextup@swccd.edu You may also call the EOPS department at 619-482-6456 or chat with us at EOPS Lobby

Summer Readiness Program (SRP): The Summer Readiness Program (SRP) is geared to recent high school graduates who will begin their college journey at Southwestern College this Fall 2025.  The summer program will run for 7 weeks, and students will participate in a personal development course, a communication course, or a Mexican-American Studies course,  and weekly activities including university visits, theater visits, conferences, and team-building activities. 

Eligibility	Application	Contact Us
High School Senior (graduating May/June 2025) Enrolled at Southwestern College for the Fall 2025 Semester Submitted their FAFSA and eligible for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) Method A or B Have an Educational Disadvantage	Now accepting application for Summer 2025.  Click on this link to apply:  Summer Readiness Program	Phone: 619-482-6456 Email: eops@swccd.edu Chat:EOPS Lobby

 

 

 Cranium Cafe Chat
To connect with an EOPS staff member via Cranium Cafe Chat please click on the ENTER LOBBY.

Our current Spring 2025 hours are:

Monday & Tuesday: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Wednesday & Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm