Education that WORKS!

What is CalWORKs?

CalWORKs is the community portion of the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act, which is a welfare reform program established by Assembly Bill (AB) 1542. The program at El Camino College Compton Center operates as a partnership with the County of Los Angeles, local business and government agencies. Assistance is provided to eligible students so they can obtain their educational degrees and certificates while gaining work experience that leads to sustainable employment.

What We Offer:

CalWORKs funds are for the purpose of assisting single parents and their children who are receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and those in transition from welfare to achieve long-term self-sufficiency through coordinated student services.

On campus, these services are offered through the CalWORKs Program which helps eligible students earn degrees and certificates while gaining work experience that leads to employment.

Additional student support services include:

• Child care assistance: Child care funding, paid directly to the service provider, is available for students not yet eligible for assistance through the county.

• Career counseling: Assessment is available to help each student choose a career that fits personal interests and abilities.

• Academic advisement and assistance: Educational plans are required and are developed for students on an individual basis. The plans are designed to guide the student through each semester of the training program. Tutorial and remedial support is available as needed.

• Work Activity Referral: The CalWORKs Work Activity Program assists CalWORKs recipients to comply with a combination of 32 hours of academic coursework, work activity, laboratory time, structured internships, or other activities which will lead to proper preparation for their career. The program is funded by the state through the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.

• Individual Employment Plan (IEP): Students maintain career information, housed in the CalWORKs office, for employment placement and documentation, training, letters of recommendation, and employment evaluations.

• Employability skills training and job search opportunities are provided through Human Development 6 and 8 classes, and individual guidance by CalWORKs and campus job developers for part-time and permanent placement.

Click here to download the CalWORKs Brochure (PDF)