SWC Cares
Connecting You With Solutions
If you are a student in need of basic assistance — food, housing, transportation, textbooks, technology or other resources — SWC Cares is here to support you.
SWC Cares is a campus-wide initiative that centralizes the many resources at SWC. A number of programs are available that can help you in school and at home so you can thrive in the classroom.
Looking for help? No problem — fill out the Basic Needs Request form so we can get you the right support or get support through our SWC Cares Virtual Lobby below. Have questions? Contact Trina Eros, Basic Needs Coordinator, at (619) 216-6687 or teros@swccd.edu. The SWC Cares/Basic Needs Office is located at Building 16-105E at the Chula Vista Campus. Our virtual and in-person office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday from 8:00am-6:30pm, and Friday 8:00am-3:00pm.
Students can also review our comprehensive SWC Cares Basic Needs Resources site for information on campus and community resources that are available to help you complete your educational journey.
Or, if you’re looking to partner in providing these services to our students, join many of your colleagues and sign up for Jaguars Give.
SWC Cares Resources
If you are facing food or housing insecurity, need personal counseling or legal assistance, or any number of challenging scenarios, Southwestern College has internal resources and there are a number of organizations in the area that are available to help you.
Basic Needs Request Form
We know our students can experience a number of needs and stressors that impact their ability to be successful at SWC. If you need support with food, housing, transportation, textbooks, technology, etc., complete the Basic Needs Request form.
Jag Kitchen Pantry
Here at Southwestern, we believe every student should have enough food to get them through the day. Our Jag Kitchen Pantry provides a safe place for students to access food free of cost. The Jag Kitchen Pantry is located in Building 16, Room 104 on the Chula Vista Campus. Current hours of operation are Monday and Thursday: 8:30am-5pm, Tuesday: 12pm-6pm, Wednesday 8:30am-2pm, and Friday: 10:30am-2pm. Students who are unable to come during these hours can email teros@swccd.edu. Students can also register for our monthly Jag Kitchen To Go Drive Thu Distribution with the San Diego Food Bank Mobile Pantry. This distribution take place the first Friday of every month in Parking Lot O on the Chula Vista Campus.
SWC CONNECTS
Southwestern College CONNECTS is our new Technology Loaner Program for students who are in need of a loaner computer or other technology to participate in credit or noncredit courses. Interested students can complete the CONNECTS Request form.* Please note you must be logged into your SWC Google account and logged out of other Google accounts to access the request form.
SWC CARES Emergency Grant
The Southwestern College SWC Cares Emergency Grant has been created to provide assistance to students at risk of dropping out of college due to unexpected financial emergencies. This emergency grant is intended to help students stay in school and meet their educational goals. To be eligible for consideration for this grant, you must have a temporary financial need resulting from a sudden, unexpected emergency. You must also be enrolled in the current term. All awards are contingent based on availability of funds. Funds are limited. The lifetime award limit is $500 for the SWC Cares Emergency Grant. All applications go through a committee review process, and students will receive an update on the status of their application to their student email address. Please see the SWC Cares Emergency Grant FAQ Sheet for more information.

Food Pantry and Resources
A number of programs in South Bay and around San Diego County are available to help provide food to you and your family. You can also complete SWC's Basic Needs Request form.

Financial Aid Assistance
Close to 70% of Southwestern students receive some form of aid. Whether you need a job or help with textbooks, this is a place to start looking.

Personal Wellness
If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, there is someone here at Southwestern to help you. SWC services are free to students.

Safety, Legal, and Immigration Resources
SWC is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students, staff, and faculty. See what resources are available.

Childcare and Family Support
Child care is crucial so you can focus on your schoolwork. If you need support, take a look at these resources.

Housing Insecurity & Resources
Southwestern has on-campus resources for students facing homelessness, and there are many resources in the area.
Specialized Programs & Learning Communities
Looking for a group to connect with? Or assistance with your schoolwork? Find the right program for you!
Get in Touch
SWC Cares Office | Virtual and In-Person Office Hours | Contact Us |
Building 16- Room 105 900 Otay Lakes Road Chula Vista, CA 91910 |
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 8am-5pm Tuesdays 8am-6:30pm Fridays: 8am-3pm Weekends and Holidays Closed |
Phone: (619)421-6700 ext 5404 Email: teros@swccd.edu Trina Eros, Basic Needs Coordinator |