CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Children) is California's Welfare plan in response to Federal TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) Program. Due to the strict time limits CalWORKs/TANF participants' clocks are ticking. Time to prepare for self-sufficiency is running out! Bakersfield College has responded by creating a program which allows CalWORKs participants to attend BC for education and training. The college provides education, employment training, support services and work study opportunities to increase wage earning power and lead to self-sufficiency. Funding for child care is available as well. A counselor is available to help develop an education and employment plan that addresses both short-term and long-term goals. An assessment of your needs will be made to determine what services can be met by Bakersfield College and what referrals are appropriate. If a family is to achieve self-sufficiency, increasing wage earning power through education is essential to their success.
The CalWORKs Office is located in the Student Services Building, Second Floor (Adjacent to the Financial Aid Office).
For more information, contact the CalWORKs Office at (661) 395-4047.
CalWORKs Services Provided
Support services include, but are not limited to, child care, work study opportunities, peer advisement, academic and personal counseling, as well as, a cooperative partnership with the Department of Social Services.
We Provide our Students with the Following Services:
- Priority registration: First to register before other students on campus
- Book Assistance: As funding permits, when not granted through the county
- Career Development: Education/training that leads to employment
- Bus Passes and/or Gas Card: As funding permits; must meet qualifications
- Work Study Programs: Job referrals on and off campus
- Comprehensive Student Educational Plan: Develop a student plan to succeed
- University Campus Visits: Attend university campus tours
CalWORKs Program is located in the Student Services Building, 2nd Floor (Across from Financial Aid Office) (661) 395-4351
"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles". ~ Christopher Reeve ~
Eligibility & Application
CalWORKs Eligibility Requirements
- Recipient of CalWORKs/TANF public assistance benefits
- Enrolled in classes at Bakersfield College
- In compliance with DHS and have a Welfare to Work Plan
- Attend a Mandatory CalWORKs Orientation on the BC campus
- Be a California Resident - AB 540/CA Dreamers are welcome to apply
If you receive CalWORKs/TANF and are (or would like to be) enrolled at Bakersfield College, then you are eligible for this program. You must receive cash aid assistance for yourself, not just your children.
Apply!
To apply: Submit an application to the BC CalWORKs Program. A counselor will meet with you to determine your eligibility and status in the program. Then, together, you will develop an education/employment plan to meet both short-term and long-term goals. An assessment of your needs will be made to determine what services can be met by Bakersfield College and what referrals are appropriate. Make education a part of your family's self-sufficiency plan!
Stop by the CalWORKs Office located in the Student Services Building, 2nd Floor (Across from Financial Aid Office)
CalWORKs Program (661) 395-4351
Resources
Bakersfield College Child Development Center
The centers are licensed through the California Department of Social Services. All teachers are professionally trained in the field of early childhood education, and are certificated through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Placement in the program is made according to state priorities and date of application. Apply online now! The program is designed for income eligible families who are enrolled in BC courses leading to a specific career/professional goal.
Community Action Partnership of Kern
Programs include Food Bank, Head Start, WIC and Friendship House. Check out all the CAPK Programs online at http://www.capk.org/
Kern County Department of Human Services/Food Stamp Program
Students interested in applying for the Food Stamp program may call 661 631-6062 to request an application by mail. Upon completion of the application and receipt from the county, the applicant will receive an appointment date for a face-to-face interview. The process can take up to 45 days. However, emergency food stamps are available, but must be requested.
Kern County Help-Line: 661 336-5200, 1-800-273-2275 or 211
Links those in need to services available in the community such as food, clothing and shelter. 211 can be dialed from ANY phone line at no charge.
Catholic Social Services
Self-Referral Process:
Catholic Social Services are available Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 12:00 and 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm. The student must take an ID and Social Security card for every adult in the home requesting services and a Social Security card for every child. Walk-in service is available during the above listed times. Students can call or walk-in to request services.
Kern County Food Bank
Referrals will be provided during schedule "Walk-In" times. Contact the EOP&S/CARE/CalWORKs Front Office for available "Walk-In" times, as they are subject to change. 661 395-4351
Golden Empire Cleaners
A referral can be provided be contacting a School Counselor, Community Specialist or School Administrator where YOUR child attends school. The school representative will provide you with information on where to pick up your food and what you will need to take with you. A Gleaners Referral must be requested; otherwise, a Food Bank referral will be provided.
