The EOP&S/CARE application forms for Spring Semester 2016 are currently out. All Applications will be accepted from Nov. 2 to Dec. 18 in room SS240 for students who are interested in participating in such a program.

EOP&S stands for extended opportunity programs and services, which is a state funded community college program that aims to provide compassionate, innovative, “above and beyond” services to students at Rio Hondo who are in need of help economically and educationally. By attending the EOP&S program, students can receive large benefits that will assist them in completing their educational goals.

The CARE program, also known as Cooperative Agencies and Resources for Education is a supplemental component of EOP&S that helps students that are single heads of the household with young children. People who are in the CARE program can have access to various supportive services that enable them to acquire the education, training and marketable skills needed.

In order to be eligible for the EOP&S program, applicants must be a California resident or an AB 540 student. Also, they have to be enrolled full time at Rio Hondo College with 12 or more units, but with no more than 70 applicable units. It is also important to qualify for the Board of Governor Fee Waiver in order to participate. Most importantly, people who are eligible for joining the program should be educationally disadvantaged, as considered by the EOP&S Application.

As a supplemental program of EOP&S, the CARE program requires all applicants to meet all of the requirements of EOP&S and be admitted there first in order to apply. Applicants should have one child of at least 13 years of age or younger and have to be a single-parent or head of the household. In addition, the students should currently be receiving TANF/CalWORKS Benefits. A copy of current Verification of Benefits or Notice of Action is also required in order to submit the application.

There is a wide range of services that EOP&S/CARE program provides. As a member of EOP&S, participants can receive services such as counseling, priority registration, textbook services, merit grants, transfer fee waivers and tutoring.

In addition to the EOP&S services, the participants in the CARE program are granted access to CARE Merit Grants, Rio Cafe lunch vouchers, single parent conferences and holiday family events.

For students that are successfully admitted to the EOP&S program, it is their responsibility to complete the EOP&S orientation, meet with a counselor three times per semester, and comply with EOP&S/CARE mutual responsibility contract.

CARE students are also responsible for attending mandatory orientations and workshops in addition to EOP&S responsibilities.

Those interested in applying or have any questions regarding the application process can call (562) 908-3423 or visit room SS240 at the Student Services Building.

For the latest information regarding EOP&S/CARE, please like EOPS/CARE at the Rio Hondo page on Facebook, or follow @eops_care_rhc on Instagram.