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WHAT IS CalWORKS?
LACC’s CalWORKs is one of the major
providers of programs designed for welfare participants in the
Hollywood/Los Angeles area. LACC has partnered with the Department
of Public Social Services (DPSS) in an effort to educate
participants and provide successful transition from Welfare-to-Work.
Los Angeles City College affirms the principle that individuals should
have opportunities to develop their own potential. To that end our
main responsibility is to students and to the provision of education,
which will benefit students and enable them to contribute to society.
The CalWORKs/GAIN office was
established at LACC in 1987. Today, as part of Workforce
Education, eligible participants enjoy the convenience of
Satellite locations (Koreatown, Los Angeles River Center) spread
around the city. One-day workshops in business and technology related
subjects are available at our Corporate and Community
Education Center located on the 8th Floor of the
Community College District Office in Downtown Los Angeles.
PROGRAMS OFFERED
At LACC there are a variety of
CalWORKs programs, which have assisted students in obtaining AA
degrees and Certificates. Students have successfully transferred to
universities, while others have obtained employment as X-Ray and
Dental Technicians, Computer Technicians and Operators, Case Managers,
Office Assistants, and Preschool and Associate Teacher Assistants.
Students are referred from DPSS to participate in 32-35 hours of
activities for up to 24 months. They are provided with ancillary funds
to cover books and supplies, work uniforms/tools, child-care and
transportation expenses.
Case Management services are
offered, including: counseling, acting as a liaison on behalf of
students, completing all forms needed by DPSS and other collaborating
agencies, and providing resource and referral information from within
the community. On and off campus Paid Internships assist
students in gaining valuable work experience, in addition to
supplementing their income. Parent Education classes and
individual counseling referral services are available on campus
through Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Short Term Certificate and Specialized
Programs developed for CalWORKs students include: English as a
Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), General Education
Development (GED), Remedial Education (REM), C.N.A., and other
Vocational Training courses. These programs are available through
computer-based interactive instruction and testing, classroom
instruction, and one-on-one tutoring. Counseling appointments with
the instructor are available weekly or as needed.
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
“I never dreamed this would be possible.
I would like to thank the CalWORKs Program and staff at LACC for this
great opportunity. I can now look toward to the future and pursue my
next goal, which is an AA Degree in Administration of Justice. The
staff gave me strength, motivation, support and they had faith in me.
There was always a smile and belief that I could do it. Thank you for
making dreams happen.”
Veronica G., 27, a
single mother with a two-year-old son, is currently a full time
student. She has successfully earned her GED Certificate within 6
months of participating in the program.
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