• About

Villa Majella

~ pregnancy housing & support services

Villa Majella

Category Archives: Education

Exclusive Interview with Chelsea Lancaster About the EOPS and CARE Programs

28 Monday Sep 2015

Posted by villamajella in Education

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

children, city college, education, interview, santabarbara, single mothers, state funded programs

Since our GED blog post was so popular, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide all of you with an exclusive interview with Chelsea Lancaster, Student Program Advisor and SPARC Coordinator for EOPS, a state-funded program that provides support for Santa Barbara City College’s low-income, single parent population.

Can you describe what the EOPS program is and what you offer?

The Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is a state-funded support program designed to provide academic support, financial assistance and encouragement for eligible, financially disadvantaged, and academically underprepared students. The goal of the program is to help eligible students meet their educational objectives, whether they seek occupational certificates, associate degrees or to transfer to four-year institutions. Our mission is to provide above-and-beyond support services to eligible, academically and economically under-prepared students to achieve their educational goals.

If I had to describe EOPS with one word, I would say it’s a family. We aim to create a crucial web of support for students who might not be able to pursue their educational goals due to a variety of barriers they face. I am personally a product of EOPS/CARE and really believe they make all the difference.

RopesCourse

How long has the program been around?

EOPS is a product of the Civil Rights Movement and has been around since the 1960s.

527791_10151181693079918_2141264604_n

What type of student enters into the EOPS program?

All kinds! We serve a wide variety of students from low-income, academically underrepresented backgrounds. Some of our students are just graduating high school, whereas others are returning to school after a long absence. Most are the first in their families to pursue higher education. EOPS serves aged-out Foster Youth through our Guardian Scholars Program. We also service eligible Dreamers.

Information on our three comprehensive (and very fun!) summer bridge programs are as follows:

  1. The Running Start program is geared toward working with local high school students completing the 12th grade.
  2. The SPARC (Single Parents Arriving Ready for College) program serves single parent students.
  3. The Transitions program is designed to work with individuals released from the California criminal justice system and/or those with substance abuse issues.

football scr feet_91

Can you describe what the CARE program is and what you offer?

CARE is an additional state-funded program within EOPS, which provides additional support for SBCC’s low-income, single parent population. The CARE program provides educational support services designed for the academically underprepared. Financial assistance and childcare may be awarded as a means of strengthening the retention, persistence, graduation, and transfer rates. Students participating in CARE may choose to pursue a vocational certificate or license, an associate degree, or transfer to a four-year university.

We also offer a Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway for CARE families annually, in addition to a children’s book event at Christmas time. We have a Club as an additional support system, which allows single parent students to connect, empower, and support each other in a variety of ways.

How long has the CARE program been around?

CARE has been around as long as EOPS.

11234049_877577275661951_907791449703027762_n

How long have you been working in the EOPS and CARE programs? What is your job title?

I have been at SBCC for many years serving low-income families in a few different capacities since 2002. I started as a part-time peer advisor when I was an SBCC student and was fortunate enough to continue working there even after transferring to UCSB. I became a full-time Student Program Advisor in the CalWORKs Program in 2007 and was moved up to EOPS in 2012, where I assumed the CARE student caseload (in addition to CalWORKs).

z22

What makes you want to do this work?

I became a mom at the age of 17, in a very abusive relationship. Getting an education was the best thing I was every able to do for both myself and my daughter. I want the families I serve to be able to enjoy the empowerment and opportunity college afforded us. It was in college that I found myself and realized that being a teen mom didn’t mean I couldn’t have a promising future; my journey wasn’t right or wrong, it was just different! I can honestly say I look forward to coming to EOPS every day.

10959465_785104641575882_6383631368588530600_n

When passion meets profession, you’ll never work a day in your life!

Can you describe the usual struggles that keep people from graduating from the program?

Single parents face a variety of struggles including housing instability, financial problems, unhealthy relationships, lack of adequate childcare, drug and alcohol issues, low self-esteem, and lack of support. In EOPS, we try to work with students to troubleshoot the barriers they face and provide necessary financial, educational, and emotional support to help them succeed.

Can you describe a success story that you experienced in EOPS or CARE?

There are so many! Below, you will find a donor thank you card, which highlights a beautiful success story in the student’s own words.

EOPS Success Story Letter

How do students enroll in either of these programs? And what is the cost?

There is no cost to enroll in EOPS. Students typically start the Steps to Enrollment to SBCC, then come see us once they are in their classes and have completed the application for Financial Aid (FAFSA). We understand that the enrollment process can be overwhelming, however, any student who needs assistance can come see us!

What advice would you give to students who could be seeking these types of programs?

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Don’t be afraid to take that step, and don’t hesitate to ask for help along the way!

545064_318894981530186_1854435972_n

Advertisement

Why Getting your GED is Important for your Future

08 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by villamajella in Education, nonprofit

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

education, GED, nonprofit, School

GED

If you didn’t finish high school and you’re looking to better your financial future, getting a GED (General Educational Development) is a great option for you. You may not know all the benefits to receiving a GED certificate, which compels me to tell you why passing your GED exam will change your life.

  1. You Will Have Better Job Opportunities

You will be qualified for more job opportunities than a high school dropout. You can expect to get jobs in these areas: construction, office and administrative support, installation, maintenance and repair services, short order cook, cosmetologist, occupational therapist aide, physical therapist aide, retail salesperson or a travel agent. By passing your GED exam and also completing one year of vocational job training or license training, will allow you to enter into one of these positions.

  1. Better Your Chances of Furthering Your Education

If you’re interested in a college degree, getting a GED allows you better chances of getting accepted to a four-year accredited college, or a two-year associate program, which leads to even better job opportunities and financial earnings later in life.

  1. You Will Earn More Money

Those who have a GED certificate or a high school diploma, can expect to earn on average $2,400 a month or $28,800 a year, compared to high school dropouts who earn $2,100 a month or $25,200 a year.

  1. You Will Build Your Self-Confidence

You will gain more self-confidence, knowing you took big steps in investing in your future. Also, the GED is not an easy exam. When you pass the exam, you will feel a great sense of achievement. And receiving your GED certificate will also give you more confidence in applying for jobs you want, because your ability to get them are greater than someone who didn’t finish high school.

GED

I know that testing can be difficult, and the process towards getting a GED can feel intimidating or stressful, however, just remember your life is important and you do deserve a chance at a brighter future for yourself and your family. You can get started right now with the resources provided below.

At Villa Majella, we do stand behind the GED program, as a positive education pathway for our residents.

Resources and Practice Questions

GED Testing Service

http://www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/test-sections

Free GED Practice Tests

http://www.gedstudyguide.org/free-ged-practice-tests/

http://www.studyguidezone.com/gedtest.htm

GED Test Guide

http://www.gedforfree.com

http://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Test-Practice-Tests-Edition/dp/0307946045

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1618658875/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687562&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0307946045&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=184GK8W173S09S7YC0ZN

http://www.walmart.com/ip/10532425?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227000015617&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=52921420608&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=43593639552&veh=sem

GED Prep Classes

San Luis Obispo- http://ae.slcusd.org/ged

Santa Barbara- http://www.sbcc.edu/ce/ahs-ged.php

Ventura- http://www.vace.com/programs_adult_literacy.html

Los Angeles- http://college.lattc.edu/academicconnections/ged-pathways/

  • Home
  • About
  • Website

Contact Us

604 N. Kellogg Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
805-683-2838
M-F 9am - 4pm

Recent Posts

  • First Holiday Season with Baby
  • Playtime With Your Baby
  • What Kind of Parent Am I?
  • Changing Seasons
  • Single-Parent-Person: “Staying Afloat”

Archives

  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • May 2016
  • December 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • August 2012

Categories

  • abuse
  • adoption
  • baby
  • benefits
  • childcare
  • daycare
  • Education
  • Exercise during pregnancy
  • First
  • fundraiser
  • holidays
  • infant care
  • nonprofit
  • parenting
  • pregnancy books
  • Pregnancy Tips
  • Relationships
  • self-esteem
  • self-help
  • single mother
  • Uncategorized
  • volunteer

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Like

Like

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • Villa Majella
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Villa Majella
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...