СÓÅ´«Ã½

EOPS / CARE / NextUp

FA 2025:  Application Period Closed
SP 2026:  Application Opens: December 15

 


Spring Applicants:

You will receive an email from grossmont.eops@gcccd.edu informing you of your application status between mid-January and early February 2026 (or earlier).


Notice:  If you do not hear from us, call us at (619) 644-7617 or email us at grossmont.eops@gcccd.edu 


Programs

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EOPS

 

EOPS:  Extended Opportunity Programs and Services

Supporting Your Success!

At СÓÅ´«Ã½, EOPS is your gateway to opportunity.  If you've faced social, economic, educational, or language barriers, we're here to help you thrive.

 

Our program offers personalized academic and support counseling, financial assistance, and a variety of services designed to keep you on track and help you reach or educational and career goals. 

 

Whether you're just getting started or looking for extra support along the way, EOPS is here to empower your journey--from enrollment to graduation and beyond.

 

FA 2025:  Application Period Closed
SP 2026:  Application Opens: December 15

 

EOPS:  Responsibilities

All Programs - Every Spring & Fall

  • Schedule and complete 3 Counseling Appointments/Contacts
  • Complete and submit a progress report
  • Remain full-time in 12+ units
  • Utilize Priority Registration
  • Complete an end-of-the semester student survey

 


EOPS:  Additional Responsibilities

  • Complete your FAFSA each academic year
  • Set your financial aid to be housed at СÓÅ´«Ã½
  • Be enrolled in at least one class at СÓÅ´«Ã½ each semester
  • Inform an EOPS Counselor to discuss any changes to your Educational Plan, including withdrawals, course substitutions, or any other challenges.
  • Seek tutoring or other helpful resources upon having difficulty in enrolled classes.
  • Attend EOPS student workshops or receive additional support services as necessary.

 

EOPS: Eligibility

To qualify for EOPS, students must meet all of the following at the time of application:

  • Be a California resident or qualify under AB540
  • Have submitted the 2025–2026 FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application
  • Qualify for the CA Promise Grant (Method A, B, or C) with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 0 to -1500
  • Be enrolled full-time (12+ units)

    Enrollment - Notice

    Important: Waitlisted classes do not count


    Students with disabilities enrolled in fewer than 12 units may submit a Reduced Load Recommendation Form
    (request via email: grossmont.eops@gcccd.edu, subject: "Reduced Units")

     

  • Have completed fewer than 45 degree-applicable college units and not earned an associate degree or higher
  • Have official transcripts from all other colleges on file with Admissions & Records

 


In addition, students must meet at least one of the following:

  • Educationally disadvantaged
  • Member of an underrepresented group
    (as defined by СÓÅ´«Ã½ equity goals)
  • Graduated high school with a GPA below 2.5
  • Enrolled in basic skills or remedial classes in high school or college
  • English not spoken at home as the first language
  • First-generation college student
    (neither parent/legal guardian has a college degree)
  • Current or former foster youth
  • Homeless or at risk of homelessness

    Orientation

    Please note, if you are eligible for the EOPS program, you will be required to attend a mandatory orientation before you are fully admitted to the program.

 


EOPS: Lost Eligibility

  • Fall out of good standing with EOPS by not meeting required deadlines
  • Reach 70+ degree-applicable units or 6 consecutive semesters as an EOPS student
  • No longer enrolled in classes at СÓÅ´«Ã½
  • No longer meet CCPG eligibility

 

EOPS: Benefits

Program Services Include:

  • Personalized Academic Counseling
    Regular one-on-one support to help you stay on track with your educational plan.
  • Financial Assistance
    Book vouchers, meal cards, and transportation support (based on available funding)
  • Priority Registration
    Early access to course enrollment before the general student population.
  • Textbook Support
    Help with purchasing or borrowing required textbooks
  • Transfer Assistance
    Guidance and resources to support your transition to a 4-year university
  • Workshops & Success Seminars
    Covering topics like time management, study skills, financial literacy, and more.
  • Career & Personal Development Support
    Resources to help you explore careers, set goals, and grow as a student.
  • Peer Support & Student Community
    Connect with other EOPS students through events and networking opportunities.

 

CARE

 

 

CARE: Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education

Supporting Single Parents on the Path to Success

Are you a single parent receiving public assistance?  The CARE program is here to help you take the next step toward a brighter future!

CARE provides additional support services to help you transition from welfare dependence to self-sufficiency by gaining the education, training, and marketable skills you need to thrive--both personally and professionally.

Whether you're starting or returning to college, CARE is your partner in building a better future for you and your family.

Now accepting applications year-round:  Don't wait to take advantage of these life-changing resources!

Next Steps

If you think you qualify for CARE, contact: Diane Atienza

EOPS/CARE Program Specialist

 

 

CARE: Eligibility

To qualify for CARE, students must meet all of the EOPS eligibility requirements.

In addition, CARE students must also:

  • Be a single parent with at least one child or dependent 18 years old or younger
  • Be receiving cash aid assistance (TANF/CalWORKs) for themselves and/or their dependent(s)
Next Steps

If you think you qualify for CARE, contact: Diane Atienza

EOPS/CARE Program Specialist

 

CARE: Benefits

Program Services Include:

  • Personalized Academic & Career Counseling
    One-on-one guidance to help you reach your educational and professional goals.
  • Financial Assistance
    Support with school-related costs such as transportation, meals, and supplies (based on available funding).
  • Textbook & School Supply Support
    Help with covering the cost of required materials
  • Support for Parenting Students
    Services tailored for single parents balancing school & family responsibilities.
  • Priority Registration
    Get early access to course enrollment each semester.
  • Peer Support & Networking
    Connect with other student parents through CARE events & activities
  • Workshops & Skill-building Opportunities
    Focused on topics such as time management, financial literacy, parenting, and more.
  • Pathway to Self-Sufficiency
    Empowering you with the tools & confidence to achieve long-term success.
Next Steps

If you think you qualify for CARE, contact: Diane Atienza

EOPS/CARE Program Specialist

 

CARE: Donations

As our single-parent students work towards earning their college education, they face challenges for themselves and their children.

 

Throughout the year, we put events together, such as our Holiday Event, to provide resources for our students and their children, ages 0-18 years old. We gladly accept monetary donations, gift cards and/or gift certificates, and in-kind donations.

  • Monetary donations can be made to the GCCCD Foundation Account:
  • Gift Cards & Gift Certificates (or any other donations) can be dropped off or sent to:

       Ð¡ÓÅ´«Ã½ CARE Program
       Building 60 – Room 125 (EOPS/CARE Office)
       8800 СÓÅ´«Ã½ Dr.
       El Cajon, CA 92020

All donations will directly benefit our students and their children. Students are provided with food vouchers, gas cards, grocery cards, and personal care products to assist with the food and housing insecurities they face.

 


CARE: 2024 - Donars & Volunteers

  • Chanika Marsh

  • Costco - La Mesa

  • СÓÅ´«Ã½ EOPS Club

  • Hadassah Nations

  • Raising Cane's

  • San Diego Padres

  • Soroptomist International of San Diego

  • San Diego State University EOP

 

 

 

 

NextUp

 

NextUp: 

Empowering Foster Youth to Thrive in College

 

NextUp is a support program designed for current and former foster youth enrolled in California community colleges. At СÓÅ´«Ã½, NextUp/Guardian Scholars provides personalized services, resources, and a strong support system to help you build confidence, stay on track, and succeed in college—and beyond.

 

Apply anytime—NextUp accepts applications year-round!

Next Steps

If you think you qualify for NextUp, contact: 
Sam Rigby

NextUp Program Specialist

 

NextUp: Eligibility

 

If you were in foster care for even one day between the ages of 13 and 18, you may be eligible for the NextUp program. Eligibility is verified with a dependency letter—and we’re here to help you get it.

 

To qualify, you should work towards subsequent enrollment in at least 9 units. If you're taking fewer units, a waiver from the Accessibility Resource Center (A.R.C.) may still allow you to qualify.

 

Not sure if you’re eligible? Even if you’re enrolled in fewer units—or not yet enrolled—contact Sam at (619) 644-3932 or Brian at (619) 644-7648. We’re here to support you!

Next Steps

If you think you qualify for NextUp, contact: 
Sam Rigby

NextUp Program Specialist

 

 

NextUp: Benefits

 

As a NextUp student, you’ll receive a wide range of resources and support to help you thrive in college and beyond:

 

  • Academic, career, and personal counseling
  • Book vouchers to help cover textbook costs
  • Grant money to support your educational journey
  • Daily meal vouchers for when you're on campus
  • Transit passes or gas cards to get you where you need to go
  • Target gift cards for everyday essentials
  • Parking permit for on-campus convenience
  • Backpack and school supplies to keep you prepared
  • Midweek Meetups — a mix of fun, food, learning, and appreciation
  • And most importantly, a community that’s here to support you every step of the way


Visit Us
Please bring your picture ID and, if you have one, your dependency letter (if not, no worries—we’ll help you get it).
We’re here to support you and do everything we can to help you succeed in college—and beyond.

Contact:  Sam at (619) 644-3932 or Brian at (619) 644-7648.

 

Next Steps

If you think you qualify for NextUp, contact: 
Sam Rigby

NextUp Program Specialist

 

 

NextUp: Counseling

 

Current NextUp students can schedule counseling appointments in one of the following ways:

  • In person at the EOPS/NextUp Office
    Building 60, Room 125
  • By phone at (619) 644-3932

NextUp counselors have access to your transcripts and Education Plan to provide a complete and personalized counseling session.

 

 

Next Steps

If you think you qualify for NextUp, contact: 
Sam Rigby

NextUp Program Specialist

 

 

 

SIP

 

SIP: Summer Institute Program

Jump-start your college journey this summer!

 

The Summer Institute Program (SIP) is an 8-week experience designed to help first-time college students transition smoothly from high school to college life at Grossmont. As a SIP student, you'll take two college courses while participating in social, cultural, and educational enrichment activities—all in a supportive, community-driven environment. 

 


Program Highlights

 

  • Earn 6 transferable college units

  • Transportation assistance to get you to and from campus

  • Visit universities and explore transfer opportunities

  • Join fun social engagement activities

  • Receive a completion grant at the end of the program

 

Ready to start strong? SIP is your first step toward college success.

 

Application period closed

 

SIP: Eligibility
To qualify for SIP, students must meet all of the EOPS eligibility requirements.

In addition, SIP participants must also:

  • Be a first-time college student

  • Complete a СÓÅ´«Ã½ application

Application period closed

 

SIP: Benefits

 

As a SIP participant, you’ll receive a wide range of resources and support to help you thrive in college and beyond:

 

  • Personalized introduction to campus life
  • Dedicated counselor & instructor support
  • Free textbooks & materials
  • Free lunch every day 
  • EOPS support (pending eligibility)
  • Priority registration 
  • Textbook gran

Application period closed