EOPS Eligibility and Application

Welcome to EOPS! Thank you for choosing to apply for our program.

EOPS strives to provide an environment that nurtures, engages, and reflects a diverse "family" of participants. By offering eligible students comprehensive support services that are academically and socially enriching, the staff and counselors seek to empower students to realize their full potential.

We are here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. We look forward to helping you succeed at Santa Monica College.

 

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a resident of California, or qualify for the AB540 exemption waiver.
• Apply and receive a California College Promise Grant, Method A, B or C with a Zero EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
• Have full-time enrollment ( 12+ units ) at the time of application in a program leading towards a career/technical certificate, associate degree or transfer to a four-year institution.
• Have less than 60 associate degree-applicable units from all colleges attended.
• Not have earned an AA/AS, BA/BS, or higher degree.

• Be educationally disadvantaged through one or more of the following criteria:
  • NOT qualified for enrollment into the minimum level English or Mathematics course that is applicable to the associate degree.
  • NOT a high school graduate nor completed the GED
  • Have a high school GPA below 2.5
  • Been previously enrolled in remedial courses in high school and/or college
  • Be an emancipated foster youth (former foster care youth)
  • Be a first-generation college student
  • Be a non-native English speaker

What to Prepare?

1. Complete a Santa Monica College Application
2. Complete a Free Application for Federal Students Aid (FAFSA (opens in new window) ). Students who are not able to complete a FAFSA should submit a California College Promise Grant (CCPG). Students who are AB540 students should complete a California Dream Act Application. (opens in new window)
3. Submit official transcripts from all other colleges and universities attended to the SMC Office of Admissions and Records (How to send your transcripts)
4. Highschool transcripts should be available upon request.

5. It is also recommended that you complete the Guided Self-Placement (GSP) (opens in new window) for Math, English, and ESL.
6. Meet with an SMC counselor for assistance with creating an educational plan and enrolling. Enroll in a minimum of 12 units for fall or spring. *Exceptions:
   • You qualify for CARE or Foster Services, then you only need 9 units with documentation.
   • You are enrolled through the Center for Students with Disabilities and have been approved by a DSPS counselor to take a minimum of 6 or more units with documentation.

Application Instructions

• Click on the EOPS Special Programs application link.
• You will see a window with "SMC SIGN-ON," enter your SMC username and password. Your username is your last, first, and middle name in this format: lastname_firstname_middlename.
• Complete and submit the form. Forms time-out after 45 minutes If you cannot complete it, and the form has been enabled to save your progress, click the “Save Progress” button at the bottom of the page. You can return to it later by login in at smc.edu/myforms (opens in new window) . The "MyForms" portal shows forms you have submitted or in progress.

• Once you have completed the missing questions/items, click the “Submit” button.
• After you have signed the application, click "Submit" next to your signature. The application will then be electronically sent to the EOPS/CARE staff member to process. You will get a message stating your application was submitted.
• Applicants will be notified through the Santa Monica College student email system of their application status within a 1-2 weeks of submitting your application. Students accepted into EOPS will be required to attend an EOPS orientation in order to receive services.

Questions?

For more information or questions about EOPS eligibility or the application, please contact the EOPS office at EOPSinfo@smc.edu