EOPS

Learn About Extended Opportunities & Support

Explore Extended Opportunity Programs and Services

EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs & Services): is a program that supports the enrollment, retention, graduation, and transfer of students who have been challenged by economic and educational disadvantages.

CARE (Cooperative Agencies & Resources for Education): is a sister program to EOPS, designed to provide additional resources for current EOPS students who are single parents/head of household, and recipients of CalWORKs/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Guardian Scholars: supports the academic and personal goals of current and former foster youth attending Santa Monica College. The goal is to support, connect and increase academic awareness and achievement as students embark on their journey within higher education.

Learn about resources and access for EOPS

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Step One: Learn About EOPS

Academic, career, personal, and transfer counseling
Priority registration
Supplemental textbook assistance
Educational, transfer, and career development workshops
One-on-one tutoring
Educational and cultural activities
College field trips
Application fee waivers to four-year institutions

Step Two: Understand Program Eligibility Requirements

Must be a resident of California or qualify for the AB540 exemption waiver

Must be educationally disadvantaged through one or more of the following criteria:

NOT qualified for the minimum level English or Mathematics course
NOT a high school graduate nor completed the GED
Have a high school GPA below 2.5
Been previously enrolled in remedial courses
Former foster care youth
First-generation college student
Non-native English speaker
Apply and receive a California College Promise Grant, Method A or B.
Have full-time enrollment (12+ units)
Have less than 60 associate degree-applicable units from all colleges attended.

Step Three: Apply

Learn about resources and access for CARE.

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Step One: Learn About CARE

Academic Personal Counseling
Educational Planning
Vocational Assessment
Tutoring
Workshops
Book & Supply Assistance
Transportation Assistance
Food Assistance
Grants

Step Two: Understand Program Eligibility Requirements

Eligible & accepted to EOPS
18 years of age & up
Current recipient of CalWORKs/TANF cash aid (for yourself), or a dependent child or children, as a single head of household.
Attend CARE Orientation

Step Three: Apply

Learn about resources and access to support for current and former foster youth, probation youth and wards of the court

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Step One: Learn About Guardian Scholars

Academic, Career and Transfer Counseling
Priority Enrollment
Assistance with Financial Aid & CHAFEE Applications
Tutoring
Community-based referrals and resources
Independent Living Program (ILP) Referrals
Meal Assistance
Transportation Assistance (when back on campus)
Mental Health Therapy (via Telehealth)
Student Success Workshops

Step Two: Understand Guardian Scholars Eligibility Requirements

Current or former foster youth
Currently enrolled in at least 9 units*
Between the ages of 18-24
Have not yet attained an AA, AS, or BA

*Not yet enrolled or enrolled in less than 9 units? Please email us.

Step Three: Apply

Guardian Scholars Interest Form (opens in new window)

*Note: Staff will contact students with next steps after completing the interest form

EOPS/CARE & Guardian Scholars offers a variety of ways to connect to student services and support.

EOPS/CARE

For questions regarding our application, eligibility, program requirements, you can email EOPS/Care at eopsinfo@smc.edu.

Please make sure to include your full name, SMC ID number, and a phone number to reach you.

EOPS Program Website (opens in new window)

Next Up & Guardian Scholars

The Santa Monica College Foster Service Support Programs provide services and support to current or former foster youth (FFY) attending Santa Monica College. The FYS Programs support the academic and personal goals of current and former foster youth by helping students to connect, achieve and increase academic awareness, as they embark on their journey within higher education.

Visit Us: Student Services Center (SSC) 238
Phone: 310-434-4491
Email: fosterservices@smc.edu

Foster Youth Support Programs (opens in new window)