The College of the Canyons Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and its supplemental program Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) have received a $50,000 grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation.

The grant will increase the dollar amount of book vouchers awarded to EOPS/CARE students during the 2014 school year.

“This is the most substantial grant we have received for our students and we are elated,” said Pamela Brogdon-Wynne, director of the college’s EOPS/CARE and CalWORKs programs. “To play a part in helping these students reach their educational and professional goals is awe-inspiring. The more determined they are to succeed, the more determined we are to help them.”

The EOPS and CARE programs provide eligible students with individualized attention and services designed to assist them in the achievement of their educational goals.

Many EOPS/CARE students are the first in their families to go to college and face many socio-economic challenges in realizing their academic potential.

The rising cost of college textbooks is an additional challenge for these students. The EOPS/CARE program provides a supplemental book voucher to students who are eligible. The amount of the voucher varies depending on state funding and can only be used for the purchase of required textbooks.

“Thanks to this grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation, there will be an approximate $80 increase in book vouchers per student,” said Brogdon-Wynne. “This additional funding will alleviate a major source of stress and improve retention and the academic performance of our students.”

Founded in 1989, the S. Mark Taper Foundation is a private foundation that is dedicated to enhancing the quality of people’s lives by supporting non-profit organizations and their communities.

“We are very grateful to the S. Mark Taper Foundation for helping our students achieve their goals and dreams,” said Brogdon-Wynne.

More about the college’s EOPS/CARE & CalWORKs programs

The Extended Opportunity Programs and Service (EOPS) is a state funded program, which provides support services to eligible students attending College of the Canyons.

The specific responsibility of the college’s EOPS department is to serve and encourage students to continue their education on the community college level, by developing and providing programs, services, techniques and activities that provide additional student support for students who demonstrate both a financial and academic need.

The college’s EOPS Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program is a supplemental program of EOPS that specifically provides support for students caring for young children. Services include grants and financial stipends to help cover childcare and transportation costs, as well as counseling/advisement sessions, academic workshops and other networking activities specifically designed for single parent students.

The college’s California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program provides support services to students who are currently receiving public assistance (cash aid). The program emphasizes and supports higher education through academic advisement, personal and career counseling and work-study opportunities, while providing textbooks and other school supplies to students.

For more information about the CARE/EOPS and CalWORKs programs, visit www.canyons.edu.