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 and educationally disadvantaged students facing various barriers to academic success.

EOPS will begin accepting applications for Spring Semester 2019 beginning  Monday, December 3, see Forms tab to download application.

Watch a video about EOPS services.

EOPS Eligibility

EOPS Eligibility and General Requirements

• Be a California resident
• AB540 students are eligible to apply
• Register as a full-time West Valley College student in a minimum of 12 units (exceptions considered for students with a verified disability)
• Have fewer than 70 units of degree applicable college credits
• Be financially disadvantaged 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
• 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
• Not have graduated from high school or obtained the General Education Diploma (G.E.D.)
• Graduated from high school with a grade point average below 2.50 on a 4.00 scale
• Been 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
• 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 a West Valley College EOPS Application
• Submit the completed application and supporting documents* in person at the front desk in EOPS

*Unofficial Transcripts will be accepted for eligibility purposes; 

• One of our helpful staff will review your application and let you know your eligibility
• You can use EOPS computers to complete your application and print required documentation if needed

If you are eligible for EOPS, you will be required to attend an EOPS Orientation in late Jaunuary 2019, prior to the beginning of the semester.

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

California College Promise Grant Program (Formerly Board of Governors Fee Waiver Program) CCPG Part B 2018-2019 Income Standards*

Number in Household (including yourself)	Total Family Income Last Year (adjusted gross income and/or untaxed income)
1	$18,090
2	$24,360
3	$30,630
4	$36,900
5	$43,170
6	$49,440
7	$55,710
8	$61,980
Each additional family member	$6,270

* These standards are based upon the federal poverty guidelines, as published each year by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Under Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, the student or student’s family must have a total income in the base year that is equal to or less than 150% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines based on family size.

The base year is defined as the income year used for the determination of an expected family contribution (EFC) for federal Title IV student financial aid unless professional judgement is exercised by a financial aid office to use the current year income.

These income standards are for the 2018-2019 academic year and are to be used to determine California Promise Grant Part B (BOGFW-B) eligibility EFFECTIVE July 1, 2018.

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

Services

Book Fund Services

EOPS Book Funds are available for all West Valley EOPS students enrolled in West Valley and/or Mission College courses. These funds are available at the College Bookstore after students are approved and complete their EOPS enrollment.

How to Use EOPS Book Fund Services

1. Take your approved and stamped schedule to the bookstore.
   • The bookstore staff will retrieve your books based on your approved and stamped schedule.
   • Let the cashier know you are a West Valley EOPS student. You will need to show a Photo ID.
   • Buy your books according to the EOPS Book Service Terms and Conditions (below) and WVC Bookstore policies.
2. Be prepared to pay the difference if your books exceed the given dollar amount.

EOPS Book Fund Terms and Conditions

• Book Funds are for required textbooks for classes that you are enrolled in during the current semester.
• Book Funds are only for approved classes that are on your Ed Plan.
• Book Funds are for active students, in good standing, and those who have not reached their academic goal (graduated, etc.) or reached their 70-unit limit.
• You must be enrolled in 12+ units or be approved for 9+ units by your EOPS counselor. DESP students are approved for the number of units recommended by your DESP Counselor.
• Book Funds are to be used at the West Valley Bookstore.
• No reimbursements for books purchased online or elsewhere.

PLEASE NOTE: If you drop any class, you are required to return the book to the West Valley Bookstore during the bookstore's return period (check posted dates at bookstore). Past this date, you must return the book to the EOPS office. EOPS CANNOT pay for books for classes you ARE NOT enrolled in, nor may we allow you to keep those books. All purchases will be audited to ensure that guidelines have been followed.

Letters of Recommendation

Watch a video about letters of recommendation from EOPS.

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

	Virginia Marquez EOPS/CARE Director (408) 741-2593 virginia.marquez@westvalley.edu
	Helen Pivk EOPS Counselor (408) 741-2471 helen.khalyoun@westvalley.edu
	Bickie Choy EOPS Counselor (408) 741-2422 bickie.choy@westvalley.edu
	Rosa Coronado EOPS Specialist (408) 741-2687 rosa.coronado@westvalley.edu
	Patrick Spink EOPS Office Coordinator (408) 741-4038 patrick.spink@westvalley.edu
	Becky Juarez EOPS Program Assistant (408) 741-2449 becky.juarez@westvalley.edu
	Elizabeth Flores EOPS Counselor (408) 741-2503 elizabeth.flores@westvalley.edu
	Amy Gutierrez EOPS Counselor (408) 741-2529 amy.gutierrez@westvalley.edu
	Jennifer Keh EOPS Counselor (408) 741-2503 jennifer.keh@missioncollege.edu
	Jose Macias EOPS Counselor (408) 741-2503 jose.macias@wvm.edu

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 Application Spring 2019 (PDF 212 KB)

Steps To Apply for Extended Opportunity Program and Services

1. Complete the online application.
2. Print your Fall 2018 schedule of classes from your West Valley Portal.
3. Provide copies of transcripts for all other colleges previously attended.
4. Print and sign your completed application.
5. Submit application and supporting documents in person to EOPS staff.

DACA Resources

• https://www.sccgov.org/sites/oir/Documents/Raids%20Response.pdf
• 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.
• Resources for Undocumented Students – This website on the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office site provides information for Undocumented students.
• DACA Updates  – On January 13, 2018, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will accept DACA renewal applications because of an order issued by a U.S. District Court in San Francisco.
• West Valley Financial Aid provides numerous links to campus and local information for Undocumented students.