Los Rios Cares Program
At Los Rios, we care about helping our students in need. Many Los Rios students struggle to meet their basic needs, and it often takes only a minor setback to derail their dreams.
Did You Know...
of Los Rios students are low-income.
of Los Rios students live below the poverty line.
of community college students are homeless.
That's why we created the Cares programs – Beaver Cares, Hawk Cares, Falcon Cares, and Panther Cares.
How the Cares Program Helps
The Cares program at each college provides a safety net for students and addresses their most pressing needs through the following initiatives.
Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund provides immediate financial help to students experiencing an emergency, so they can stay in school and on track.
Food Pantries
Food pantries support student wellness and reduce food insecurity by providing food and other necessities in a safe space. All enrolled students are eligible to receive food pantry items from the Cares Centers at American River, Cosumnes River, Folsom Lake and Sacramento City College. To support hungry students, donate through the CARES giving form.
Emergency Hotel Program
Completing a college degree is always difficult, but trying to do so while unhoused is unimaginable to most of us, yet we estimate that nearly 14% of our students are doing just that.
The emergency hotel program allows staff to provide homeless students shelter at an Extended Stay Hotel for up to two weeks. Extended Stay generously gives Los Rios a discounted rate, and the student is not charged in hopes that they can use the savings as a deposit on permanent housing.
Emergency Hotel Program: Sara's Story
Gowns for Grads
Many of our first-generation and low-income students can't afford caps and gowns for graduation. At a time when our graduates should be proud of their accomplishments, we do not want them to feel ashamed if they can’t afford their regalia or choose not to walk because of the expense.