EOPS and CARE

Welcome to EOPS

Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) is here to assist you in making your college experience successful. Getting through college is not an easy task, especially when you try to do it alone! Since 1969, EOPS has been a California state funded program that provides an accessible and rewarding college experience to low income students facing various barriers to academic success. We provide a support network of West Valley EOPS counselors, dedicated staff and fellow students to help you stay focused on your educational path and reach your goals more quickly. If you meet academic and financial eligibility requirements, you may qualify for the broad range of support services and opportunities offered by our program.

EOPS Eligibility and General Requirements

EOPS is open to full-time students who are considered low-income and educationally disadvantaged and facing various barriers to success. You will need to qualify by both income standards and educational background standards.

To qualify for EOPS you must:

• Be a California resident. AB540 students are eligible to apply.
• Be enrolled as a full-time student at West Valley (minimum of 12 units, with exceptions considered for students with a verified disability)
• Have fewer than 70 units of degree applicable college credits

Financial Disadvantage

Be identified as having an economic and educational disadvantage by qualifying for either:

• The California College Promise Grant Program (formerly Board of Governors Fee Waiver Program) – Refer to table below for income standards
• TANF, SSI or General Assistance

Education Disadvantage

Be educationally disadvantaged as defined by state guidelines by meeting one of the following criteria:

• Not qualified for enrollment into the minimum level English or mathematics course that is applicable to the associate degree at West Valley College
• Did not graduate from high school or obtain the General Education Diploma (GED).
• Graduated from high school with a grade point average below 2.50 on a 4.00 scale
• Previously enrolled in remedial education.
• Other factors determined by the EOPS Director, using state guidelines

Steps to Apply for EOPS at West Valley College

• Apply to West Valley College
• Complete and submit the West Valley College EOPS Application
• Register for a West Valley College Orientation (or show completion from another college if transferring to West Valley)
• Complete the application for the California College Promise Grant Program (formerly Board of Governors Fee Waiver Program)
• Complete and submit the West Valley College EOPS Application
• Transcripts are required from previous colleges for eligibility purposes. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
• One of our helpful staff will review your application and let you know your eligibility.
• You are welcome to use EOPS computers to complete your application and print required documentation.

If you are eligible for EOPS, you will be required to attend an EOPS New Student Orientation prior to the beginning of each semester.

If you are a single parent receiving TANF or CalWorks, you may be eligible for our CARE program. Talk to the staff person assisting you with your EOPS application for more information.

2024-25 California College Promise

Grant Type B Income Standards

Family Size (including yourself)	Base Year Income (adjusted gross income and/or untaxed income)
1	$21,870
2	$29,580
3	$37,290
4	$45,000
5	$52,710
6	$60,420
7	$68,130
8	$75,840
Each additional family member	$7,710

5CCR § 58620: Student (dependent or independent) household income in the prior year equal to or less than 150% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines for a family of that size.

5CCR § 58620(b)(1)(F): For purposes of this subdivision, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines used each year shall be the most recently published guidelines immediately preceding the academic year for which a fee waiver is requested.

See US Department of Health and Human Services for more information.

EOPS Services

Financial Services

Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)

Open the door to opportunities with CARE

CARE is a program designed to help single-parent students succeed in college. Because we realize that attending college and being a single-parent can pose many challenges, we will help you to achieve your educational goals.

CARE Eligibility

• Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Be a single-parent, head-of-household, as determined by social services

CARE Benefits

• CARE Grants
• Academic, Career and Personal Counseling
• Referrals to on and off campus resources
• Transportation Assistance

EOPS/CARE Staff

EOPS Counselors available for 30-60 minute appointments during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Call (408) 741-2023 or stop by the EOPS office to schedule.

Forms

EOPS is now accepting applications for Fall 2025.

Apply now! 

Steps To Apply for Extended Opportunity Program and Services

1. Complete and submit the online application.
2. Provide copies of transcripts for all other colleges previously attended. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.

DACA Resources

• California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley Issues Statement on Supreme Court Ruling that Continues DACA
• First Generation College Student Guidebook – This is a helpful guidebook for those that identify as First Generation College Students (FGCS) and provides tips and tools to succeed in the higher education environment.
• CCCCO Resources for Undocumented Students – This website on the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office site provides information for Undocumented students.
• West Valley Financial Aid provides numerous links to campus and local information for Undocumented students.