CalWorks
Empowering Parenting Students: CalWORKs
The California Work Opportunity & Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program is a state-funded Welfare-to-Work initiative designed to assist parenting students with children under the age of 18 who are receiving cash assistance (TANF). The goal of the program is to help students become self-sufficient while attending college.
Services Offered:
- Specialized Academic Advising/Counseling: Tailored guidance to help students navigate their academic and career goals.
- Assistance with Transportation: Support to ensure students can attend classes and other essential activities.
- Support with School Supplies: Help with acquiring necessary materials to succeed in courses.
- Referrals to Supportive Services: Connection to additional resources and community services.
- Laptop and Calculator Loans: Equipment available for loan to assist with coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Parenting students with a child/children under the age of 18, who currently receive cash assistance (TANF) through the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Pregnant students who are receiving TANF benefits..
- Student parents who are Exempt CalWORKs students.
- All student parents must be in good Standing with the county.
For information contact CalWORKs at: (707) 476-4581
CR CalWORKs can help students improve job skills in order to raise family income and support independence. CR provides individualized support services for CalWORKs students. These services include assistance with:
- Assistance with minor school supplies.
- Transportation assistance-gas cards.
- Campus parking passes
- Develop individual education plans.
- FWS Job placement.
- Referral to campus and community resources
CR CalWORKs can assist students with achieving a successful college experience. The CR CalWORKs team works with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) staff, to assist students with their individual education and employment plans.
- Complete and submit a CR application.
- Complete and submit financial aid, BOG fee waiver, and scholarship applications.
- Make an appointment to meet with the CR CalWORKs Counselor or Advisor.
If you have any questions or want to make an appointment, please contact the CR CalWORKs department at 707-476-4581
CHECK OUT A LIST OF THE ADADEMIC PROGRAMS THAT WE OFFER:
CalWORKs Work Study Program:
Eligible CalWORKs student parents can participate in the CalWORKs Work Study program, which offers paid, on-the-job training opportunities aligned with their vocational goals. This program helps students build their resumes, gain practical employment skills, and earn extra income while working toward financial independence and self-sufficiency—a win-win for those looking to enhance their career prospects and achieve personal success.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have at least a 2.0 GPA.
- Have a completed and current FAFSA, and Promise Grant Waiver, and MUST be determined eligible through the CR Financial Aid Office.
- Have Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). At least 67% of attempted classes must be completed. This can be petitioned.
- Must be in good standing with your employment and training worker (ETW), through DHHS.
Additional Information:
- CalWORKs Work Study Income does not count against your TANF/CASHS benefits. It is exempt income!
- Parenting students participating in CalWORKs Work Study can work up to 20 hours per week during enrolled class sessions. Students can work more--up to 40 hours per week--during certain breaks between semesters/sessions. Breaks between enrolled classes cannot be longer than 5 weeks for work-study funding.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY:
- CalWORKs Welfare to Work
- Humboldt Local Resources
- Humboldt Domestic Violence Services – Humboldt Domestic Violence Services (hdvs.org)
- Mckinleyville Family Resource Center
- Jefferson Community Center and Park – A Project of the Westside Community Improvement Association (jefferson-project.org)
- Bayside Park Farm | Arcata, CA (cityofarcata.org) (Farm volunteer- FREE PRODUCE)
- ARCATA HOUSE SAFE PARKING PROGRAM (Homeless, living in your car?)
- Arcata House (Adult and family shelters, Rapid re housing & permanent supportive housing)
Our Staff
Colin Trujillo, MA
- Director Library, ASC, EOPS, CARE, NextUp, & CalWORKs
- Colin-Trujillo@239877.com
- Pronouns: He/Him
Debbie Romero
- Administrative Coordinator-CalWORKs
- Humboldt/Del Norte County CalWORKs Liaison
- CCCCA Region 1 Representative
- Debbie-Romero@239877.com
Holly Wendt
- Administrative Coordinator-CalWORKs
- Humboldt/Del Norte County CalWORKs Liaison
- CCCCA Region 1 Representative
- Debbie-Romero@239877.com
Mayra Sanchez
- Student Development Advisor, MEC, CalWORKs
- Mayra-sanchez@239877.com
- Hablo Español
Bernadette Johnson
- Counselor EOPS, CARE, TRiO, NextUp, CalWORKs
- Bernadette-johnson@239877.com
Kali Rothrock
- Student Development Advisor EOPS, CARE, TRiO, NextUp, CalWORKs
- Kali-rothrock@239877.com