San Joaquin Delta CollegeCalWORKs Program

Challenges CalWORKs Students Face

• 48-month lifetime limit

• CalWORKs students face a variety of socioeconomic challenges

• 30/35 hours per week requirement

• Approved courses only

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What is CalWORKs?

• Response to federal welfare reform – California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)

• Establishment of time limits, welfare-to-work activity requirements and minimum hours of participation in those activities

• Education and training are allowable activities

• The California Community Colleges CalWORKs Program was funded as part of California’s plan for welfare reform

• County Process: Intake and Assessment, Job Club and Job Search, Activity Assignment

• SJDC CalWORKs:

• 2011-2012: 628 Budget: $655,021

• 2012-2013: 596 Budget: $622,270

CalWORKs Steps to Success

Intake

• Admissions Application

• Referral to an assessment test

• Establish each student as a CalWORKs student

Need Determination and Referral

• Initial and ongoing referrals after completion of a Family Needs Inventory

• Community Connections Resource Directory

• Processing of BOG fee waivers

• FAFSA and information on Cal Grants

• Advocacy

• Process no-show referrals

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Tools to Succeed Workshops

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CalWORKs Steps to SuccessAcademic Advising

• Planning students’ semester schedules

• Assistance enrolling in classes

• Class grids and book lists are provided

• CalWORKs Work Study

• Information and referrals for the CalWORKs Job Specific Basic Skills Lab and Supervised Study Time

• Academic Advisors are the main conduit of information between SJDC CalWORKs and the students’ county case managers

CalWORKs Work Study

• Paid positions

• Employers receive 75% reimbursement of the student’s wage

• Students receive valuable work experience

• Income does not count against cash aid

• We collaborate with Financial Aid/Federal Work Study for 100% reimbursement and to make dollars go further

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CalWORKs Steps to Success

Job Specific Basic Skills (JSBS)

• Orientation

• Skills assessment and assignment

• JSBS counts toward required participation hours

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CalWORKs Steps to SuccessSupervised Study Time (SST)

• Hours are monitored and reported to CalWORKs Case Managers

• In SST a computer lab is available for students to use

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Other Services Provided CalWORKs Newsletter

• Follow-up on CalWORKs Students Receiving Academic Alert

• Employment Preparation/Assistance

• Priority Registration 8

“We wouldn't be where we are at today if it wasn't for the help of the Almighty and the help of CalWORKs. We will never forget you guys."

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Students honored for their academic successes:

2010-2011: 81 Degrees, 34 Certificates, 115 Dean’s List, 47 President’s List

2011-2012: 96 Degrees, 38 Certificates, 93 Dean’s List, 34 President’s List