Huntington Beach, Calif. — Golden West College has launched two new programs for Fall 2025 focused on advancing equity, addressing student basic needs, and reducing barriers to academic success. These initiatives, developed through campus-wide and external partnerships, reflect the college’s commitment to supporting students from historically underserved communities.
The first initiative, Fresh Success, is a holistic support program led by GWC’s Equity & Special Programs in collaboration with the Golden West College Foundation. Designed for CalFresh-eligible students, Fresh Success provides up to $1,000 in basic needs assistance during the fall semester.
Eligible students may receive support including a monthly internet stipend, transportation assistance for in-person courses, reimbursements for minor medical and auto expenses, childcare stipends, and housing support. The program also includes proactive case management and educational workshops.
Fresh Success will continue to scale in future semesters to serve more students with increasing levels of support. Students can apply to Fresh Success here.
The program was developed through collaboration with the Foundation for California Community Colleges during Spring 2025, with special recognition to Dr. Claudia Lee, Dr. Christina Ryan Rodriguez, and Yasmin Bravo for their leadership and coordination.
The second initiative, Dreamer Service Scholars, is a new pilot program created in partnership with the Financial Aid Office. It is designed for undocumented students who have completed the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), are Cal Grant–eligible, and enrolled in at least six credit units.
Participants will complete 400 hours of service over the academic year—approximately 10 hours per week for 40 weeks—and will receive a total of $10,000 in grant support. This includes a $550 monthly basic needs living grant over ten months ($5,500) and a $2,250 per semester Dream Service Incentive Grant ($4,500).
Both programs represent a significant investment in the success of GWC students, aiming to improve retention and academic completion by addressing critical financial and support needs.
“We are excited to share the launch of these to new programs this Fall,” says Andre Manukyen, Associate Dean of Equity and Special Programs. “The programs are designed to address student basic needs, advance equity, and remove barriers to student success.”
