Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is a state-funded program which offers educational support services and grants to
students who have historically experienced economic, social, or language barriers
and who are often within the first generation in their families to attend college.
Students participating in EOPS will engage in a series of activities and services
designed to strengthen skills necessary to achieve personal and academic success as
they complete a certificate, degree or transfer program.
The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program was established to
help EOPS students who are single parents, receiving cash-aid from CalWORKs or Tribal
TANF.
Additionally, any student served through NextUp Foster Youth Support Services is automatically
a part of EOPS. EOPS/CARE also houses the Dream Resource Center (DRC) which provides
support and guidance for students who identify as an undocument student, DACA, or
Dream Act Recipient.
Apply to EOPS/CARE
To apply for EOPS/CARE, you must be a current Columbia College student. Once you submit
your application, the EOPS team will review qualifications and notify you of your
eligibility. Please allow time for processing. We look forward to partnering with
you on your journey to academic success!
Submit your application for Spring 2025! Spring applications will be processed beginning
December 2024.
If you are accepted into EOPS you will receive an email in your student email informing you of acceptance. Log in to the application using your student login and password (same as Canvas).
To apply to the EOPS program, you must meet the following criteria:
Be a California resident, AB540 student or Dream Act student
Have completed less than 70 Associate level units.
Enrolled in 12 units during your first semester in EOPS. (On a very limited basis, students in unique situations are permitted to enter EOPS
with 9 units. Additionally, exceptions are made for students enrolled in Disabled
Students Programs and Services, DSPS.)
Qualify for a Board of Governors Grant (i.e., California College Promise Grant, also
formerly known as BOG fee waiver) under Method A, B, C with $0 Expected Family Contribution
(EFC) or D “Homeless Youth”.
Have an Educational Disadvantage.You need only ONE of the below educational disadvantages:
First generation college student (neither of your parents received a Bachelor’s degree)
Belong to one of these populations: African American, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander,
American Indian, LGBTQIA+
High school GPA was below 2.5 (high school transcripts must be on file)
Student was enrolled in remedial education in high school or college (transcript must
be on file)
Student did not graduate from high school, nor received a GED
Current or former foster youth
Primary language spoken in the home is/was not English
Eligible for basic skills Math or English class.
CARE Eligibility
To qualify for the CARE program at Columbia College, students must meet the following:
Current EOPS student who is 18 years of age or older
Enrolled in 12 units or more as a new CARE student (Exceptions may apply)
A single parent or head of household
A CalWORKs participant and/or receiving county cash aid (TANF) for self and/or children
EOPS/CARE Services
EOPS Services
Services of eligible students include the following:
Book and required course material vouchers
School Supplies
Access to the EOPS Lending Library
Student Grants
Priority registration
Personalized Academic Counseling
University Transfer Assistance and Fee Waivers
CARE Services
EOPS students who are eligible for the CARE program have access to all EOPS services
plus the following:
Child Care Financial Assistance
Additional Student Grants (based on available funds)
