Student Support Programs
Navigating college isn't easy, but it is important to know that there are programs that can help support you no matter your background!
Student support programs aim to increase the number of disadvantaged low-income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities to complete a college education within the U.S.
These services can help students navigate the college system and support students' access and success within academic settings and courses.
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Whether you decide to go to a four-year institution or a community college, be sure to check out all the different kinds of support programs and services they offer.
Local Student Support Programs
EOP provides admission, academic and financial support services to historically underserved students throughout California.
These programs develop students' critical thinking and communication skills, expanding the boundaries of their academic potential to help them become thinkers and leaders.
Each of the CSU campuses offers services, support, and community for LGBTQIA students, faculty, and staff. The CSU is committed to providing an inclusive, safe living and learning environment for all LGBTQ+ students.
Many resources are available to you if you are an undocumented student, like grants, loans, and scholarships to legal and campus support services.
Every CSU campus has services to support students with certifiable disabilities. Be sure to contact your campus as early as possible to learn more about the ways your campus can help you succeed.
A number of CSU campuses offer food assistance, emergency housing and additional resources for students.
EOP assists with mentorship, academic programs, financial assistance, counseling/advising, and other campus support services to first-generation college students and/or from low-income and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
Various campus programs offer guidance and counseling, academic advising, housing, financial aid, and other support services that may include:
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Orientation to university life
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Student employment opportunities
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Assistance with financial aid applications
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Life skills counseling
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Career planning
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Priority class registration
UC campuses offer a range of support services — from academic and personal counseling to financial aid and legal advising — that can help you balance being a full-time student while handling other day-to-day challenges you may face.
UC provides special assistance and services to support students with disabilities. Each campus has an office that coordinates a variety of services for students with permanent and temporary disabilities.
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is a state-funded program designed to provide counseling, retention, and support services to increase college enrollment for those individuals who have previously not considered college as an option. EOPS strives to alleviate the educational barriers that preclude many students from college attendance.
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The San Diego Promise provides qualified students at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges with a free community college education. They also offer grants to those who demonstrate financial need to offset the cost of textbooks and instructional supplies. Their mission is to engage all students in a learning community promoting academic success.
The San Diego Community College District welcomes undocumented students, parents, staff, faculty, and community members. The District is committed to maintaining a safe space for all students as they pursue their academic and professional goals.
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DSPS provides services, counseling, and courses to support students with disabilities in achieving their academic and vocational goals.
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EOPS counselors ease the transition into college for new, returning and re-entry students. EOPS is designed for the recruitment, orientation, and retention of California residents who are economically and educationally disadvantaged.
Pathway Academy is a two-year program designed to guide you during your freshmen and your second year at Cuyamaca College. As a Pathway student, you will have access to and receive the following program benefits:
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Student Orientations
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Participation in Summer Bridge Program
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Managed Course Enrollment for Fall & Spring Semesters
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Access to Student Success Courses and Workshops
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University Visits
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Priority Registration
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Peer Mentoring
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Campus Resources, such as free printing and tutoring
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Assistance with transfer application or certificate completion.
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Career exploration and job readiness skills
Cuyamaca College offers tutoring at no cost to all enrolled students. Visit one of three on-campus tutoring centers or receive tutoring online.
Cuyamaca College is committed to equity by standing with and supporting all students who have an undocumented/Dreamer status.
DSPS increases access, success, and creates inclusive learning environments to students with disabilities so they may participate fully and equitably in college programs and campus life.
This program is for recent high school graduates with no previous college coursework. The program aims to reduce a student’s chances of dropping out of college and ensures that students are on the right path to success!
The Southwestern College Academic Success Center Program exists to help you achieve your academic goals. Their free services focus on four areas: individual tutoring, group tutoring, computerized tutorials, and workshops.
Learning Communities are linked classes taught by trained faculty members who combine the content of the linked courses so that learning becomes easier and more relevant for the student. Teams of students share the same classes, and, with the support of their instructors and counselor, work together toward meeting their educational success.
DSS provides the support services for students with disabilities at Southwestern College.
Foster Youth and Former Foster Youth (FY/FFY) students attending SWC can receive:
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Priority registration - enroll early to get the classes you need
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Chafee Grant - grants for qualified Foster Youth/Former Foster Youth students for up to $5000 per year
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Guardian Scholars Program - personalized academic counseling, funds for books, transportation, and/or meal cards
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Foster Youth Success Initiative - state program to support student success, completion and transfer
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Dedicated support from a team of professionals dedicated to serving Foster Youth/Former Foster Youth students
Via Rápida First Year Experience (FYE) is a student support program at Grossmont College designed to help guide students during their first year of college by providing ongoing social and academic support.
The Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise provides a free year of tuition at Grossmont or Cuyamaca College for first-time students who are attending college full-time.
Our mission is to create a safe space within Grossmont College that offers a support system for undocumented students and their families. We aim to promote awareness of the issues and challenges that affect undocumented students in our college and community in order to ensure respect and appreciation of diversity, while promoting equal access to education.
The EOPS program's primary mission is to encourage the enrollment, retention, and transfer of students handicapped by language, social, economic and educational disadvantages, and to facilitate the successful completion of their goals and objectives in college. EOPS offers academic and support counseling, financial aid and other support services.
The Accessibility Resource Center (A.R.C.) is a student services program that provides access to education for Grossmont College students with disabilities and learning differences. The A.R.C. offers academic accommodations, disability management, and support services as well as individualized career, academic, and personal counseling to support your academic success