EOP&S, CalWORKs, CARE, Guardian Scholars and Dreamers recognized at annual ‘adventurous’ grad ceremony

Publish Date: May 12, 2023

For many college students, “it’s a jungle out there.” But for 60 Crafton Hills College EOP&S, CalWORKs, CARE, Guardian Scholars and DREAMers, the adventure is just getting started.

Those 60 were the focus of a graduation and scholars celebration that took inspiration from the likes of Indiana Jones and The Jungle Book with its décor, dance finale and theme: “Let the Adventure Begin.”

“Graduates and scholars, you should be exceptionally proud of this moment. As many of you have stories and moments when you have wanted to quit or maybe did not believe you can make it, but here you are today – you’ve made it,” said Dr. LaTesha Hagler, EOP&S/CARE/CalWORKs/Dream/NextUp associate dean of student services, to kick off the event, held in the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 12.

EOP&S/CARE/CalWORKs/Dream/NextUp are on-campus resources open to first-generation, low-income, foster youth and/or single parents in need of resources such as academic counseling, financial assistance, priority registration and textbooks and supplies. Students must apply via Crafton’s website and must meet program criteria.

Program support is offered to Crafton students not only while they are enrolled but after they graduate, explained Dr. Delmy Montenegro-Spencer, vice president of student services at CHC.

“Once you are an EOP&S, CARE, CalWORKs or Guardian Scholar, you’re automatically in the family forever,” she said. “Even if you get tired of us, we’re still going to call you. We’re still going to be checking up on you guys. And, when you guys transfer or when you start a new position and you may be having a hard time, guess what, we’re still your home. You can still contact us. Because our main goal is for you to succeed. We are in the business of changing lives – and more importantly – watching you succeed.”

For Rachelle Taylor, that message rings true. The Crafton alumna and former CalWORKs student was invited back to serve as the event’s guest speaker – a goal of hers since she was inspired by her class’s speaker some years ago. Taylor’s message was filled with words of hope, encouraging each student – and their family members – to live by Eleanor Roosevelt’s wise words, “Do something that scares you every day.”

“For me, that was starting over. As a mom with small children, it was very scary to think that I could start over and get a career,” she explained. “But I decided that even though it’s scary, I know that I could do something that will not only make a difference in my life but encourage my sons that are watching me to get a good career from the beginning.”

Before the celebration ended, program students were asked to come up to the stage to receive graduation regalia to wear during commencement on May 24, and program organizers surprised guests with a performance of the “Cupid Shuffle.” Dinner catered by Jose’s Mexican Food followed.

Learn more about the EOP&S/CARE/CalWORKs/Dream/NextUp program