Programs

Division: Student Services

California Mini-Corps

Location: Visalia Campus - Alpine Building 2, Office A
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3958
Website: California Mini-Corps Program

The California Mini-Corps Program assists college students who have an interest in teaching and would like to dedicate their professional careers to helping migrant students who are enrolled in California’s K-12 education system.


CalWorks

Location: Visalia Campus - Sequoia 112
Phone: Visalia:  (559) 730-3864
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/CalWORKs

The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act (CalWORKs) Program at the College of the Sequoias (COS) is dedicated to providing students who are currently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash aid with coordinated student services such as academic counseling, work-study, workforce preparation assistance, child care, and advocacy. Our goal is to guide students through a successful educational journey that will help them achieve long-term self-sufficiency.


Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)

Location: Visalia Campus - Sequoia 108
Phone: Visalia:  (559) 730-3818
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/EOPS

The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program serves Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) students who are single parents receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).  It is our mission to support students by offering advocacy, peer support, and resource information to help them achieve their educational goals and transition into economically self-sufficient individuals.


Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)

Location: Visalia Campus - Sequoia 108
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3818
Website:  https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-support/eops

The Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program is dedicated to recruit and successfully retain college students of educationally and socioeconomically challenged backgrounds from Kings and Tulare Counties. The primary purpose of the EOPS program is to prepare students to transfer to a four-year university or complete an associate degree or vocational certificate in order to acquire desirable career-related skills necessary to obtain employment. 


Foster and Kinship Care Education Program/Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success

Location: Visalia Campus - Sequoia 157
Phone: Visalia: (559) 737-4842
Website:  https://www.cos.edu/en-us/Foster-Care

The Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE) Program provides quality education and support activities to the Resource Parents of children and youth in out-of-home care so that these providers may meet the educational, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of children and youth. FKCE provides free classes, workshops, and conferences in Tulare and Kings Counties in Central California. Our programs are designed with Resource Parents in mind, helping to bridge the gap between questions and answers. Most classes are open to the general public, and are free of charge, unless otherwise noted.​

Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success (YESS) is a comprehensive and integrated program that unites community partners and academic leaders to empower foster youth to successfully transition into independent living.  The YESS program provides services that focus on life skills training and academic performance with the objective of achieving self-sufficiency, college degree or certificate completion, and employment.

College of the Sequoias' YESS Program continues to provide independent living skills training to Tulare County foster youth, with a focus on Employment, Education, Financial Literacy, and Daily Living Skills, as well as helping the youth to identify and nurture life-long connections for ongoing support once they age out of foster care.  The classes include hands-on activities that make learning fun while giving youth real-life experiences.


NextUp

Location: Visalia Campus - Sequoia 157

Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3938

Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/EOPS/Pages/Next-Up-Program.aspx

NextUp, is a component of the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program. The mission of the NextUp program is to provide expanded support services to eligible current and former foster youth who are students within California's Community College system. Services provided by the NextUp program include, but are not limited to outreach, recruitment, academic, personal, career, transfer counseling, life and financial wellness skills, textbook vouchers, school supplies, unmet need grants, child care assistance, transportation assistance, meal cards, emergency housing, and mental health services. NextUp services are to be over, above, and in addition to other college, county and state programs and services to which NextUp students are eligible for. 


Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Program (MESA)

Location: Visalia Campus 
Phone: Visalia: (559) 737-6136
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-support/mesa

MESA provides math, engineering, science, nursing and applied science majors the academic support they need to navigate their way through their difficult coursework. The program is focused on assisting economically disadvantaged students reach their full academic potential and become professionals in their chosen fields of study. Participating MESA students are offered Academic Excellence workshops, advanced tutoring (Calculus, Trigonometry, Chemistry, and Physics), assistance in transferring, career advising, a student study center, links with student and professional organizations, and professional development workshops. The Student Study Center is open to all math, science and engineering students.


Puente Project

Location: Visalia Campus - Tule 569A
Phone: Visalia: (559) 737-4850
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-support/puente

The mission of the Puente Project is to increase the number of educationally underserved students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn degrees and return to their communities as leaders and mentors to succeeding generations. Puente is open to all students. Puente students sign up for a transfer program that will help them to develop necessary skills to accomplish their goals.

There are four main components to the program:

  1. English instruction: Puente students will be enrolled in two consecutive writing courses: ENGL 001 for the Fall semester and ENGL 002 in the Spring. Both courses focus on Latino authors, culture, and issues.
  2. Counseling: Puente students work closely with their Puente counselor until they graduate. The counselor tracks their progress and helps to develop and monitor an educational study plan and for personal/career counseling. This allows students to make the right choices through their college experience. In addition to the English courses, students will enroll concurrently in counseling/study skills classes.
  3. Mentoring: Each Puente student will be paired with a mentor from the professional community. Students will be required to meet with mentors on a regular basis for sharing of experiences, job shadowing, and networking.
  4. Activities: Puente students are required to attend a statewide conference and take field trips to a variety of UC campuses, attend lectures, plan social events, and become involved in the Puente Club events. Students considering applying to enter the program who are employed should work no more than 20 hours per week so that they will be able to take advantage of all the project has to offer. Students will be asked to be available on some Thursday evenings or weekends for program activities.

Resources for Engagement and Active Learning through Mentorship (REALM)

Location: Visalia Campus 
Phone: Visalia: (559) 737-4845
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/academics/science/realm

The REALM Program provides Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) majors an extended orientation, followed by summer and regular term classes geared to fast-track them to transfer along with comprehensive student support services including mentoring, tutoring, and supplemental instruction. The program also focuses on engaging students in campus life through science clubs and community service activities Students are also provided with university visits, scholarship workshops, assistance applying for summer research opportunities, and national conferences.


Scholarship Program

Location: Visalia Campus - Sequoia 3
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3878
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/administration/foundation/scholarships

College of the Sequoias offers over $300,000 in scholarship awards each year to eligible student applicants. Awards sponsored by the College, COS Foundation, and many community donors range from $100 to $10,000 and are offered to incoming freshmen, continuing sophomores, and graduating/transferring students. The online COS Scholarship Application and Directory may be accessed from the COS website.


Student Employment/Work Study

Location: Visalia Campus - Sequoia 105 
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3856
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-support/student-employment

If interested, visit the Work Study Specialist in the Student Employment/Work Study Office on the Visalia Campus in Sequoia 105 | Phone: (559) 730-3864

If interested in Federal Work Study, visit Sycamore IM109 or call (559) 730-3856

College of the Sequoias offers on- and off-campus student employment. On-campus student employment is funded by various departments and programs, including Federal Work Study and CalWORKs Work Study. On-campus positions are posted online at the COS website: cos.jobspeaker.com 

In order to receive Federal Work Study, students must first submit a FAFSA and receive an FWS Invitation letter. CalWORKs Work Study is available to eligible students receiving TANF cash aid. The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act (CalWORKs) program is dedicated to providing students who are currently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash aid with coordinated student services such as academic counseling, work-study, workforce preparation assistance, child care, and advocacy.  Our goal is to guide students through a successful educational journey that will help them achieve long-term self-sufficiency. 


Student Success Program

Location: Visalia Campus - Sycamore 109 

Location: Hanford Campus - Education Building E65

Location: Tulare Campus - Building B214

Phone: Visalia: (559) 737-6286 | (559) 737-6287

Phone: Hanford: (559) 583-2532

Phone: Tulare: (559) 688-3147

Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-support/student-success

The Student Success Program provides services to assist students in meeting their educational goals through academic, career, and personal counseling, workshops, individual, and group support meetings. Student Success is a district-wide program that fosters a learning environment that provides all students with equitable resources necessary to succeed in their academic endeavors. The goal is to ensure that students are prepared with the necessary tools to follow and complete their educational plans. In addition, we may also provide printing access, laptop checkout, textbook assistance, testing supplies, snacks, field trips, and mobile Wi-Fi hot spots.   

By promoting access, success, and retention, the Student Success Program desires to help participating students:
  • Develop intellectual and academic competence
  • Develop personal identity
  • Decide on or achieve clarity about a career goal
  • Maintain personal health and wellness
  • Create a sense of personal value for each student
  • Consider, examine or internalize what they believe and value
  • Develop multicultural awareness and learn to tolerate, affirm and appreciate differences among people
  • Develop civic responsibility as a responsible citizen 
  • Create a sense of community and connectedness to the college
Through this program and its components, College of the Sequoias accepts the responsibility of being more accountable for student success in their successful completion or transfer.

TRiO/Upward Bound Math & Science Program

Location: Visalia Campus - Alpine Building 2
Phone: Visalia: (559) 737-5400
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-support/trio-ubms

The TRiO/Upward Bound Math and Science Program is designed to strengthen the STEM skills of participating students, with the goal to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel academically by encouraging them to pursue post-secondary STEM degrees, and ultimately obtain STEM careers.

TRIO/UBMS program provides academic resources to low-income and potential first-generation college students in an effort to close the achievement gap. 

Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels

Program Services

Academic Year
During the academic year TRiO/UBMS staff monitors each participant's scholastic progress to ensure improvement and success by providing the following services: 
  • Weekly After School Tutorials at each of the four target high schools for supplemental academic support in the core subject areas
  • Monthly Saturday Session at COS that focus on academic, career, personal development, and STEM curriculum
  • Motivational and cultural guest speakers
  • Academic advising, counseling, and mentorship
  • College admissions, financial aid, financial literacy, and scholarship workshops
  • Educational and cultural field trips
  • College campus visits
  • Community service projects

Summer Academy
The summer is spent re-enforcing academic-year instruction and providing students with the following services to help them succeed in their future endeavors:

  • Six-week Summer Academy at COS
  • Students are enrolled in college-level coursework in the areas of math, lab science, composition, literature, and career exploration
  • Educational and cultural field trips

During the Summer Academy, the TRiO/UBMS Program provides academic tutoring, school supplies, transportation, and meals to participating students at no cost to them or their parents/guardians.


Veterans Resource Center 

Location: Visalia Campus - Sequoia 106
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3854 | Google Voice: (559) 358-4851
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-support/veterans

The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is committed to easing the transition process and supporting the success of our veterans, reservists, active duty personnel, and dependents of veterans. The VRC provides support services and referrals to external support services for student veterans, reservists, active military personnel, and their families. VRC services include, but are not limited to: new student guidance, veterans academic counseling, assistance with accessing GI Bill® Benefits, financial aid and scholarship assistance, counseling for dependents using CalVet Fee Waiver, Chapter 35 benefits, and other educational benefits, computer lab and lending program and a student lounge.

Priority Registration

Priority Registration is available to Veterans who have been released from active duty in the last 15 years and who have a discharge that is other than dishonorable. Priority is also available for current reservists and active duty service members. In order to receive priority registration students must provide a DD-214 showing their discharge status, or a copy of military orders to the VRC.

Tuition Assistance

The VRC also serves as the point of contact for military personnel wanting to use Tuition Assistance (TA). However, all students interested in utilizing TA should consult with their military branch's Education Services Officer (ESO) prior to enrolling with College of the Sequoias. If a student is granted financial aid that supersedes their TA authorization it is the student’s responsibility to contact their ESO to cancel their TA authorization.

Military Withdrawal

A student who is a member of an active or reserve United States military service and receives orders compelling a withdrawal from courses shall be permitted to withdraw upon verification of such orders. The military withdrawal symbol assigned shall be an “MW.” This symbol may be assigned at any time after the period established by the governing board during which no notation is made for withdrawals. Military withdrawals shall not be counted in determining registration priority, progress probation, and dismissal calculations. In no case will a military withdrawal be counted for the permitted number of withdrawals. A “W” grade previously incurred, which meets the definition of “MW”, may be changed to “MW” if the student submits a Request for Extenuating Circumstance Withdrawal Form with active duty orders attached to the Admissions and Records Office for processing.

Students Returning From Military Service

Students who were compelled to withdraw from the college due to a military service obligation will be readmitted to the same academic status as when the student last attended the college. The student will maintain catalog rights to a specific degree and General Education Requirements as long as the student is reasonably prepared to resume their program at the point the student left off and the program is still offered. A student's right to be readmitted at their previous academic status will be terminated in the case of a dishonorable discharge or bad conduct discharge, general court-martial, federal or state prison sentence, or other reasons as described in 34 CFR 668.18(h)

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-407) Title 1 – Education, Section 103

College of the Sequoias complies with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-407) Title – Education, Section 103. The District allows GI Bill® (Chapter 33) and VR&E (Chapter 31) beneficiaries to attend a course of education for up to 90 days from the date the beneficiary provides a certificate of eligibility, or valid VAF 28-1905. The District will not impose a penalty, or require beneficiary to borrow additional funds to cover tuition and fees due to late payments from VA.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).


Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act Program (WIOA)

Location: Visalia Campus - Sequoia 108
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3818
Website: 

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program at College of the Sequoias functions as a service provider for both the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County (WIB) and the Kings County Job Training Office (JTO). The program provides access to educational training for referred clients from both entities. The focus of the program is to provide educational training for job seekers to acquire industry-recognized credentials for in-demand occupations.