BC Hosts CARE/CalWORKs Spring BBQ

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

The Extended Opportunity Programs & Services department at Bakersfield College hosted the annual CARE/CalWORKs Spring BBQ this week on the Panorama Campus. The event featured activities for all ages, delicious food, and resource booths.

EOPS students and their families were invited to attend the BBQ, which included a variety of games and activities for children, including connect four and a bounce house. Attendees were also welcomed to enjoy burgers, nachos, chips, cookies and more.

Susana Pantoja, an adjunct counselor for the CARE/CalWORKs Program, was happy to be a part of the event. She was excited to see everyone come out and have fun. “This is a little get-together for our students where they get to bring their kids and families to just enjoy themselves and get to know other students,” she said. “We want to build a sense of community with our students, and they get to see us in a different perspective – outside of academics. We also get to meet their kids and make that connection.”

By creating opportunities for students and their families to socialize, eat together and have fun, the EOPS department demonstrated its commitment to building community and fostering an environment where students are supported and valued.