DVC is proud to support all members of our campus community, including students and their families. This page includes resources for students who are parents and others with dependent children. We are here as you balance supporting your family and achieving your academic goals!
Beginning in fall 2023, student parents who complete their orientation, placement process, and education plan qualify for priority registration.
Locations coming soon
Secure, clean, and accessible spaces to pump and nurse are available at both Pleasant Hill and San Ramon campuses with Mamava Lactation Pods.
At Pleasant Hill campus, find the Mamava pod in the Student Services Center first floor, near room 125. Come to the Welcome Services front counter or call 925-969-2106 to receive a code from one of our staff.
At San Ramon campus, find the Mamava pod outside the Admissions lobby near room W148. Ask a staff member at the Front Desk or Admissions counter for the access code.
DVC provides menstrual products (menstrual pads and tampons for use in connection with the menstrual cycle), free of cost, at both campuses.
CalWORKs is a program for students who are cash aid recipients and part of the Welfare-to-Work (WTW) program in their county. CalWORKs students receive comprehensive support services such as textbook support, childcare, transportation assistance, school supplies, job development resources, specialized counseling, community workshops, events, and priority registration.
EOPS is a comprehensive retention and support program designed to promote the academic success of low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. CARE is a program under the umbrella of EOPS that provides supplemental support to single parents who are receiving cash aid for themselves and/or their children. In addition to the usual EOPS support services, CARE students also receive additional grants each semester, school supplies, and additional support services.
Find enrollment information for DVC's Children's Center lab school, part of the early childhood education instructional program and a place for children of DVC students while they are attending classes.
The CalFresh Program (formerly known as Food Stamps) helps low-income households increase their food-buying power to meet their household's nutritional needs. CalFresh benefits issued through Electronic Benefit Transfer, also known as EBT card, can be used in grocery stores and participating Farmers Markets. CalFresh is based on income and is open to children, U.S. citizens, and certain non-citizens.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) promotes the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding people, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care.
You may qualify if you receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF) or CalFresh (SNAP) benefits. WIC welcomes military families, migrant families, fathers, foster parents and legal guardians with eligible children. Participating in the WIC program does not affect the immigration status of anyone currently in the U.S.
Use the WIC eligibility assessment tool to see if you qualify. Set up an appointment at a WIC local agency near you!
The DVC Food Pantry serves as a free supplemental food resource for all students who may need it. Currently enrolled students are eligible for food pantry services. Visit the Student Union at Pleasant Hill campus for more information.
For students at the San Ramon Campus, we offer a campus food program. Students can contact Irene Swain to discuss food challenges.
More information about food resources at DVC and in local communities can be found on the Basic Needs food resources page.
The Summer Meals for Kids resource provides parents and referral agencies with a list of locations where children may receive free nutritious meals during school vacation and off-track periods.
If you work and have low income, you may qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). This credit gives you a refund or reduces your tax owed. If you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under the age of six, you may also qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) (see below). Together, these state credits can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars in your pocket. Filing your state tax return is required to claim both these credits.
Do you have a child under the age of six?
If you qualify for CalEITC (see above) and have a child under the age of six, you may also qualify for a refundable tax credit of up to $1000 through the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC)! If you qualify, you may see a reduced tax bill or a bigger refund.
SparkPoint Contra Costa – DVC is a community based partnership designed to help individuals become financially sustainable. We help students advance their knowledge on budgeting, credit, and overcoming financial challenges. You'll get the support you need with free financial workshops and coaching!