“I came to the US in April 2022 with my husband and 18-month-old daughter, fleeing the war in Ukraine. I was eight months pregnant and unsure about our future,” says Narine Iengibarian.
The transition to life in the United States was challenging she says, comparing the experience to walking on thin ice. “You take careful, uncertain steps, never knowing where the ground might crack.”
After giving birth to her son, Iengibarian completed the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Mt. Diablo Adult School. While there, she learned about DVC from the students and faculty, and was inspired to pursue an associate in science for transfer in administration of justice.
Iengibarian says the support and resources she received through the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) and Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) programs have been instrumental in easing her transition.
“These services have made it possible for me to pursue my education, grow professionally, and work toward a future where I am more confident in myself and in what lies ahead,” Iengibarian says.
Support for Every Step
“DVC offers wrap-around services that address the whole student, from academic support to personal development, enabling students to focus on achieving their educational and career goals,” says Dr. Rachel Luna, Senior Program Manager.
Luna feels it essential that students find a community and the necessary support to succeed. This is especially important for students facing systemic barriers.
Shikeem Washington spent much of his life moving between foster homes and group homes. Now, he feels a strong sense of support and stability at DVC.
“When I started at DVC, I was introduced to the START+NextUP program for foster youth. If it wasn’t for that program, I probably would have given up,” says Washington.
Like Washington, Brianna Perez-Powell overcame many challenges while pursuing her college education. “Coming from a low-income household has presented a series of struggles. Economic disadvantages, systematic barriers, structures broken and unstable, and what I call ‘generational curses’ passed down,” says Perez-Powell.
Perez-Powell graduated high school in 2019, and a year later, became a parent. “I had no choice but to fight and work hard to provide a better future for me and my son.”
While at DVC, Perez-Powell sought out programs and services that could help her. She says that the CalWORKs, EOPS, and Disability Support Services (DSS) programs were life-changing.
“Without the support from staff and the assistance I received, I wouldn’t be at DVC. I was never that kid who planned on going to college or thought about having a career until I knew that it was actually possible for me to do so,” she says.
Both Washington and Perez-Powell envision careers that emulate the support and guidance they’ve received at DVC. Washington will graduate with an associate in arts for transfer in psychology, while Perez-Powell is working towards associate in arts for transfer degrees in psychology and sociology. Both plan to earn bachelor’s degrees and launch careers in psychology or social work..
To learn more about student services at DVC, visit Student Services.
Finding Her Place at the SVRC
Architectural design major Allyson Chombo feels fortunate to have access to military education benefits through her mother, who served in the U.S. Army.
“I knew I would eventually use her GI Bill benefits when I transferred to a four-year, but until connecting with DVC veterans services, I wasn’t aware there were other options I could access,”
Chombo says. Chombo is grateful to the staff of the Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC) for connecting her to resources for veterans and their dependents. Now, she makes those connections for students herself, working in the SVRC as a Veterans Affairs (VA) Work-Study student.
From Mission to Purpose
“Camaraderie is such a big thing in the military, so transitioning out and finding a place you can call home is rare. But at the SVRC, that is something we establish with students who are veterans or dependents,” says Marina Varela, Manager of the SVRC.
The SVRC serves military-connected students at whatever point they transition to civilian life. “When they are in the military, they have a mission. When veterans come to the SVRC, we provide a structure with supportive staff and faculty. We help them find purpose,” says Varela.
As a military dependent and former DVC student herself, Varela understands the importance of these connections. Varela graduated with student debt, not realizing she could have accessed her dad’s education benefits.
Varela earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and returned to DVC, where she now manages the SVRC. Now she is able to ensure veterans and their dependents know about all available benefits.
A Home Away From Home
After four years as an intelligence specialist with the U.S. Navy, Kaitlyn Cooper enrolled at DVC to pursue a career as a dental hygienist.
“Going to college can be scary. But the SVRC has been a home away from home for me. The atmosphere and people in the SVRC are amazing,” Cooper says.
After graduating from DVC, Cooper would like to obtain a military contracting role as a dental hygienist so she can work on base and give back to her military community.
“If you’re a veteran or a dependent and thinking about going to college, stop by the SVRC at DVC. If you do, I know you’ll be hooked and not want to go anywhere else, because that’s what happened to me,” says Cooper.
To learn more about veterans services at DVC, visit the Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC).
DVC Services that Help Students Thrive
EOPS/CARE
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is a retention and support program for low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. Participants can access counseling, academic support, financial assistance, and more.
The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program supports single parents who participate in the CalWORKs program, and who receive county cash aid. CARE students receive all EOPS services and may qualify for additional benefits including supplemental childcare study-time grants, book/supply vouchers, DVC parking permits, and more.
START+NextUP Foster Youth Program
The START+NextUp program empowers current and former foster youth to make progress towards self-sufficiency and professional success. Participants receive guidance, assistance with financial aid and scholarships, and build connections through social events, workshops, leadership, and networking opportunities.
Basic Needs
All DVC students have access to essential resources and support to help them thrive, such as on-campus and community referrals for food, housing, health and wellness, financial coaching, and more.
Disability Support Services (DSS)
DSS supports students with physical, intellectual, or emotional disabilities. Services include specialized instruction, adaptive equipment, job placement, mobility assistance, interpreting, note-taking, textbooks in alternative format, testing accommodations, and more.
Academic Counseling, Transfer and Career Services
Looking for support and assistance in mapping out your future? DVC Academic Counseling, Transfer Services, and Career Services can help you navigate your journey.
International Student Services
If you are an international student, DVC has resources to help you understand how to maintain your F-1 visa status, as well as information regarding housing, employment, and more.
Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC)
The SVRC provides military-affiliated students with a supportive community, guidance on educational benefits, and resources to help you succeed.
For more information, visit Student Services.
