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.

Download a Fillable EOPS Application for Fall 2019

EOPS Services

  • First-day Priority Registration
  • Academic, career, and personal Counseling
  • Book Funds for required textbooks for WVC Classes
  • University transfer process assistance and UC/CSU application fee waivers
  • EOPS Grants (funding permitted)
  • Assistance with scholarship applications and letters of recommendations
  • Computer lab and printers exclusively for EOPS students
  • EOPS student success workshops, activities and campus tours
  • Student area for studying and socializing
  • Basic school and test supplies
  • Graphing calculator loans
  • Emergency loans
  • Additional services and referrals to community services

CARE Services available for eligible single parents receiving TANF:

  • Additional financial assistance for books, school supplies, transportation and meals
  • CARE grants and academic achievement grants (dependent upon state funding)
  • Workshops for single parents
  • Opportunities to create support networks
  • Assistance with social service issues

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
  • 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 from previous colleges for eligibility purposes.
  • 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 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 judgment 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.

EOPS Services

An EOPS counselor is available for EOPS students after the student is accepted into the program. Our counselors provide personal, academic, and career counseling. EOPS students are required to meet with their EOPS counselor three times each semester.

Priority registration is provided for EOPS students for the Fall and Spring semesters. This service assists students with access to the classes needed to complete their educational plan. To be eligible, students must complete a campus orientation and have a student education plan on file.

EOPS Counselors can assist you in determining your tutorial needs and assist you in getting services at the campus Tutorial Center. The Net Tutor Online Tutoring Program provides 24/7 services for all WVC students.

Students receive counseling and advisement that helps to ensure a successful transition to the four-year college or university of your choice. Our counselors work closely with you to make sure you are on track to transfer. We also sponsor university campus visits to learn more about student life at the university.

EOPS offers various student success workshops, activities and opportunities each semester. Workshops are offered based on student feedback and include sessions on Managing Stress, Test Taking, Note Taking, Time Management, Study Skills, and Transfer Preparation.

We have several computers, a printer, and study area exclusively for EOPS students.

We get to know our students over the course of your time with EOPS. Our counselors and staff can be a resource for letters of recommendation. Please review our short video about how, why and when to ask for letters of recommendation.

Financial Services

EOPS Book Funds are provided to program students who have met the requirements of the EOPS Mutual Responsibility Contract and are progressing academically. EOPS Book Funds amount varies depending on funding and are redeemable at the campus bookstore.

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.
  2. The bookstore staff will retrieve your books based on your approved and stamped schedule.
  3. Let the cashier know you are a West Valley EOPS student. You will need to show a Photo ID.
  4. Buy your books according to the EOPS Book Service Terms and Conditions (below) and WVC Bookstore policies.
  5. 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 available at the campus bookstore.

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 can’t pay for books for classes you aren’t enrolled in, nor may we allow you to keep those books.

All purchases will be audited to ensure that guidelines have been followed.

A school supply pack is provided to new EOPS students and basic supplies are on hand for students in need. Blue books, and scantrons are available at the front desk.

EOPS Grants may be offered in semesters when funding permits. To be eligible for a grant, students must meet the requirements of the EOPS Mutual Responsibility Contract, including three counseling contacts and one approved EOPS activity.

EOPS students are eligible for up to four UC/CSU application fee waivers. Private school applications and additional waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis. Meet with your counselor before you are ready to begin the application process.

Cap and gowns are provided for students who participate in the WVC Graduation, Transfer and Certificate ceremony. Inform your counselor you plan to participate in the ceremony.

We honor our students who have met their WVC education goals at an evening celebration. This is a special night in May where students and their families are celebrated for goal attainment, including degree awarded, transfer requirements completed, and certificates earned.

EOPS Emergency Loans are available on a one-time basis for up to $300. Students are required to repay the loan within the semester borrowed in a series of payments.

EOPS Spring Activities

Date Activity Time Location Presenters
Tuesday, April 9 DREAMers and Allies 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM EOPS meeting room Liz Flores
Wednesday, April 17 Self-Care 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EOPS meeting room Jennifer Keh
Thursday, April 25 SJSU FYI 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM EOPS meeting room former EOPS student
Monday, April 29 Building a Basic Resume 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM EOPS meeting room* Amy Guiterrez

Campus Activities Approved for EOPS Grant Credit

Date Activity Time Location Presenters
1st and 3rd Tuesdays Pre-health Sciences Club 1:15 PM SM 7  Staff
Thursdays Men Valuing Progress (MVP) 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM TRiO Computer Lab Staff 

Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)

CARE banner

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 Application Fall 2019 (150 KB)

Steps To Apply for Extended Opportunity Program and Services

  1. Complete the online application.
  2. Print your 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

  • Raids Response
  • 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.

EOPS/CARE Hours

Monday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Front Desk: (408) 741-2023

Last Updated 5/3/19