Students walking on campus during night

Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)

EOPS/CARE Application:

The EOPS/CARE application for Spring 2024 is open.  

Mission Statement

CARE is a program for EOPS qualified students that provides additional support to single parents receiving TANF/CalWORKs (cash aid) to help them overcome obstacles and expand their educational opportunities.

About CARE

CARE began as a special project in 1980 within the EOPS Program. The objective is to assist single parents receiving TANF/CalWORKs (cash aid) to go to college and obtain the skills necessary to gain meaningful employment.

To be eligible, participants must be EOPS qualified single parent students who are receiving TANF/CalWORKS​ benefits (cash aid) for themselves and/or their children (with a least one dependent child of any age). Note: Not all services are available every semester as they are contingent upon state funding and subject to change with or without notice.

Academic Services Provided

  • Academic, Career, Personal, and Transfer Counseling
  • Cal State and UC Application Fee Waivers
  • CARE Workshops (Mandatory)
  • Student Educational Planning (SEP)
  • Long term educational planning
  • Priority 1 Registration
  • Book Service Each Semester (unless receiving books through the GAIN program)
  • School Supplies
  • Child Care Grants to cover out of pocket child care costs
  • Gas Cards
  • Meal Cards

EOPS/CARE Hours are:

Monday-Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Fridays: 8:00am - Noon

To reach EOPS/CARE at College of the Desert, or for more information about the program, please call Kelly Blair or Gabriel Santiago at 760-773-2539.​