CalWORKs Program

Graduation

CalWORKs is California's plan for families on public assistance. Gavilan College CalWORKs provides education and employment training, work study, case management and supportive services in collaboration with surrounding counties including but not limited to Santa Clara and San Benito. The goal of the program is to help eligible students increase wage earning power and become economically self-sufficient.

Minimum Eligibility

Student parents (single or two parent) wherein both student and child are CalWORKs/TANF recipients.
Have an approved County Welfare to Work (WTW) plan that includes education as an eligible activity.

Student Benefits to Participating in the CalWORKs Program include;

Designated counselor familiar with WTW requirements and regulations
Priority 1 Registration
Book Vouchers (for all required texts)
Transportation Assistance
Educational Supplies
Laptop loans
Job Development and Placement
Meal Cards (as funding permits)
CalWORKs Grant (as funding permits)
Subsidized Employment Opportunities
Post-Aid services
No unit minimum

CalWORKs In-Take Form:

CalWORKs In-Take Form

CalWORKs New Student Checklist

	Apply to Gavilan College	Complete the online application form to apply to Gavilan College. After 3 working days, you should receive an email with your Gavilan ID (G#) and instructions on how to proceed.
	Take Assessment Test	Schedule an Assessment Placement test. You can sign up for a test date online. ESL students can sign up for an ESL assessment by contacting the Admissions & Records office. On your scheduled test date, be sure to arrive 30 minutes before the test begins and bring a photo ID! Do your best on the placement test so you won’t waste time in classes you might not need.
	Apply for Financial Aid	Complete the online FAFSA application. Then submit a Notice of Action. Ask your eligibility worker for this if you do not have it already; it must be no more than 90 days old. This will waive your enrollment fees. You will still be responsible to pay for some fees the waiver does not cover.
	Attend CalWORKs appointments	Make appointments with CalWORKs staff by calling 408-852-2838. Meet with the CalWORKs Director for your initial appointment. Be sure to bring the following items: Copy of your Welfare to Work Plan or Notice of Action IEP from high school, or any other learning disability assessment results you may have College transcripts from any other colleges you have attended Meet with a CalWORKs Counselor to register for classes and develop an Education Plan. Meet with a Program Specialist for your TBA schedule to ensure you meet 20/30/35 hrs/week. During your appointments with CalWORKs staff, you will learn about orientation dates and times, review other college programs you may qualify for, and address county-related questions or concerns.
	Pay registration fees	Be sure you pay registration fees before the deadline to avoid being dropped from your classes!
	Turn in documents	Submit the following documents to your CalWORKs worker to begin receiving services such as childcare, books, mileage, etc.: Education Plan Class Schedule TBA

Interested in learning more about the program and services please contact us at (408) 852-2838 or visit us at 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. Gilroy, CA 95020 in room LI135.

Other Student Support Programs and Services

If you are a single parent, you may qualify for additional benefits and services through the Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE).
If you are a current or former foster youth, you may qualify for Foster Youth Services.
If you meet certain income and education criteria, you may be eligible for Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS).
You may also qualify for CalFresh food stamps to help put healthy and nutritious food on the table.