As members of our union, our families and us have access to free and low-cost higher education through the URC Community College Program! This program connects home care and family child care providers and our families with educational opportunities at all 116 California Community College statewide.
Some of the courses are offered for free, and others at a low price, with the some financial assistance available for those who need it. The program covers classes of any subject: it doesn’t have to be related to your line of work!
Expanding education is one way we fight for workers and our communities. Nearly 1,000 UDW members or family members have signed up for the program since it launched last year. Hear from a few of them below:
Sabrina Bishop
“Seeing this program come in to existence was just amazing. I had to sign up for a class, so I am taking a drone operator class and a Spanish class. I’m excited to be going back to school! Since classes are offered hybrid, in-person, or fully remote, I have the ability to make sure my class schedule works with my schedule as a care provider. We always want to better ourselves, and this program has been a tremendous help for me to better myself—especially the help of the case managers who help walk you through the whole process of getting enrolled.”
Starlene Pleasant, IHSS Provider and Student at San Diego Mesa College
“This program gives me the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. With the partnerships between our program and community colleges, and the variety of bachelor’s degrees available, I feel more hopeful about my future. Living in a community where the cost of living is high, gaining more knowledge and education really makes a difference. If I can earn another degree in a field that will be in demand for the next 15 to 20 years, I want to take that step so I can support myself and help others.”