SWC Cares

Connecting You With Solutions

If you are a student in need of basic assistance — food, housing, parent needs, 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 (619)421-6700 ext: 5404.  The SWC Cares/Basic Needs Office is located at Building 16-105 at the Chula Vista Campus.  Our virtual and in-person office hours are Monday and Tuesday 8am-6:30pm, Wednesday and Thursday 8am-5pm, and Friday 8am-3pm.  

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.

Enter SWC Cares Virtual Lobby

SWC Cares Resource Site

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.   Hours of operation are Monday and Tuesday 11am-5:30pm. Wednesday and Thursday 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.  Jag Kitchen To Go takes place the first Friday of the month 8am-10am in Parking Lot O.

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 Spring 2024 Application will open at 12pm on February 12, 2024.   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. 

Cares Closet

The Cares Closet offers free clothing to enrolled students.  Students can select interview, event, daily, and seasonal clothing at no cost.    The Cares Closet is located in Building 16, Room 104 on Chula Vista Campus. Open hours are Mondays and Tuesdays 11am-5:30pm, Wednesday and Thursdays 8:30am-2pm, and Fridays 10:30am-2pm.  

County of San Diego Human Services Specialist

Many community college students are eligible for public benefits that can help them pay for food, healthcare, childcare, and more.  Southwestern College has a designated County of San Diego Human Services Specialist  that can answer student questions about Medi-cal, Cal Fresh, and Cal Works.  Students can speak with our SWC County Specialist via phone at (619)421-6700 ext 5407 or in-person in the SWC Cares Offices, Building 16-Room 105K.  Spring 24 Walk In Hours are Wednesdays 9am-3pm. 

 

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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.

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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.

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Personal Wellness

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

 

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 and Tuesdays 8am-6:30pm

Wednesday and Thursdays: 8am-5pm     

Fridays 8am-3pm

Weekends and Holidays Closed

Phone: (619)421-6700 ext 5404           

Email: teros@swccd.edu