Cougar Support Center
Find the Support You Deserve
The Cougar Support Center (CSC) is here to support any student in need of additional assistance with meals, housing, clothing, and more. CSC is a safe space and part of Taft College’s mission to provide a quality education to everyone who wants it, no matter their financial standing or background.
You don’t have to let anything stand in the way of your education. CSC offers financial assistance, a nutritious and sufficient food pantry, a clothing pantry, housing assistance and support, technology, and transportation.
The Cougar Support Center is located west of the Taft College Student Services Administration building. Students are welcome to walk-in to become familiar with the location and explore what’s available in the food pantry and clothing closest. The Cougar Support Center lounge is also available for students who need a place to relax between classes.
Interested in getting support from CSC? Submit a request.
Join the Food Pantry Party
The Cougar Support Center runs a thriving, bustling Food Pantry. The Food Pantry includes non-perishables, toiletries, hygiene products, and even clothing. Students can also request a $25 grocery gift card and/or a meal voucher for the Taft College Cougar Café. Eligibility for grocery gift cards and meal vouchers are dependent on each student’s financial aid. Grocery gift cards request can be made once a month. Perishable items are available periodically.
Food Pantry Reminders
- Food item maximum: 15 total, no more than three of one item
- Hygiene product maximum: Eight total, no more than two of one item
- Maximum: No more than three
- Towels, face cloths, blankets maximum: One of each, per semester.
- Clothing (students can choose during a visit to the center)
On-Campus Resources
- Dental Hygiene
The Taft College Dental Hygiene program is a teaching and learning clinic that provides low-cost dental work to all Taft College students and community members.
- Health and Wellness
Students seeking help, or help for a friend or student in need, can send a referral to the Taft College Health and Wellness Counselor. Students can also receive free and confidential personal counseling and mental health, wellness, and crisis resources.
- CalFresh
CalFresh is a state program that helps people purchase food. Taft College participates in a state-wide outreach program to encourage and help eligible students apply to CalFresh and start receiving benefits.
- CARE Funds
Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) is a program that helps single-parent students receiving TANF/CalWORKs (cash aid) go to college and obtain the skills necessary to gain meaningful employment.