CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)

Who We Are

CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) at College of Alameda is a counseling program that supports student parents who have a CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work (WTW) plan from County Social Services. We are committed to help student parents achieve self-sufficiency through education and training, and find fulfilling employment and academic success.

Our Services

FAQs

To participate in CalWORKs, a student must be a parent of eligible minor(s), have an active CalWORKs through County Social Services, and be enrolled at College of Alameda.

If you are not currently participating in CalWORKs but you would like to see if you’re eligible, apply online using Benefits Cal or through one of these Alameda County Office Locations.

CalWORKS at Social Services offer supportive services for student attending college with:

  • Transportation funds
  • Access to affordable childcare and funds
  • Ancillary funds to purchase required books, materials, and supplies for college classes
  • Referrals to resources to obtain housing and other vital supportive services

CalWORKs at College of Alameda offer supportive services for students at COA with:

  • Academic counseling
  • Work study opportunities
  • Priority enrollment for classes
  • Transfer application fee waivers
  • Workshops aimed to support student parents

Yes! CalWORKs is California’s interpretation of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), which is a federal program.

Sort of! Care is a program within EOPS for CalWORKs participants who also meet EOPS eligibility requirements, are a single-parent head of household, and have at least one child fourteen (14) year of age or younger.  For more information, please visit College of Alameda’s EOPS/Care

Within CalWORKs, eligible participants are given a Welfare-to-Work (WTW) Plan which documents
what activities they’ll participate in to meet CalWORKs requirements.  This typically includes college training programs, volunteering, job search or employment through work study, and others (depending on the recipient).  Typically the activities are determined by the recipient and their employment counselor at Social Services.  A Welfare-To-Work plan is REQUIRED to receive services from College of Alameda CalWORKs.

You’re in the right place!

Contact Marissa Nakano, EOPS/Care/CalWORKs Counselor by email at mnakano@peralta.edu or (510) 748-2260 to get set up!