Cooperative Agencies for Resources in Education (CARE)
The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) Program offers additional support and services to EOPS students who are also single, head of household parents receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Child (AFDC) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/Tribal TANF), with at least one child being under 18 years of age.
How Do I Apply or Recertify
New to CARE?
- Application: Complete an EOPS application. Students must be admitted into the EOPS
Program before they are eligible for CARE.
Apply for EOPS here: Access Programs Application - Documentation: Submit a copy of your Passport to Services to the Access Programs Office. Or, submit a copy of your Tribal TANF along with copies of your dependents’ birth certificates. See our contact information below.
Recertifying for CARE?
- At the start of every semester, students must submit a new Passport to Services to the Access Programs Office. Students will not receive any services or benefits of the CARE Program until their new semester’s documentation has been reviewed and approved. See our contact information below.
What is a Passport to Services?
A Passport to Services (PTS) may also be known as a “Verification of Benefits.” It is a document that shows the amount of cash aid the student is receiving and lists the names and ages of all persons in the household. Students should contact their Case Worker and ask for a copy of it. Below is a sample of what it looks like, for reference.
Services and Benefits
The following services are available to CARE students, contingent upon their individual financial needs, as determined by their Passport to Services, Financial Aid, and through their yearly FAFSA or California Dream Act.
- Grocery Grant, monthly
- Supply Grant, once per semester
- CARE Program Grant, once per semester
- Transportation Reimbursement, once per semester
- Childcare Reimbursement Allowance, monthly, based on age and number of dependents
Must submit a Reimbursement Request to accessprograms@cerrocoso.edu. - Workshops, Conferences, and Events
- All Services, Resources, and Benefits offered through the EOPS program
CARE Qualifications
- Be an accepted and active member of the EOPS program
- Be a single parent, filing as head of household
- On AFDC, or TANF/Tribal TANF, with a Passport to Services
- Have at least 1 child under the age of 18 at acceptance into the program
Program Requirements
- Remain active and compliant with the EOPS Program.
- Attend at lease one CARE-specific activity or workshop each semester.
NOTE: Non-compliance with EOPS requirements may result in termination of both EOPS and CARE Services.
Contact Information
Access Programs Department
3000 College Heights Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Phone: (760) 384-6250
Email: accessprograms@cerrocoso.edu
Fax: (760) 384-6320
