EOPS/CARE

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!

Applications received after September 8, 2026 will be processed in December for the Spring 2027 semester

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).

Apply to EOPS/CARE!

about eOPS/CARE

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is a state-funded program that supports students impacted by economic, social, or language barriers, many of whom are first-generation college students. Through dedicated counseling, academic support, and enrichment opportunities, EOPS empowers students to build the skills, confidence, and momentum needed to complete a certificate, earn a degree, or transfer to a four-year university.

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.

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.

eOPS/CARE Eligibility

EOPS Eligibility

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”.
Columbia College institutional policy is that a student must submit a FAFSA/CADAA application in order for their financial need to be determined. The FAFSA/CADAA generates a SAI (Student Adi Index) and allows for the calculation the determine financial need.
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)
- Meets criteria for the year the student applies to EOPS under the current Columbia College Student Equity Plan
- 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
- 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