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.

Taft College CSC Request Form

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  gas card,  grocery card, and/or a meal voucher for the Taft College Cougar Café. Eligibility for gas/grocery cards and meal vouchers are dependent on each student’s financial aid. Requests can be made once a month. 

*Students requesting gas/grocery cards and meal vouchers will be contacted if they are approved. 

Food Pantry Details

Students are allow to visit the food pantry once a day.  Students have the option of choosing between a food bag pick-up or snack bag pick-up.  Food bag pick-ups are twice a week maximun and snack bag pick-ups can be daily (if student does pick up a food bag).

Allowable food bag amounts:

  • 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)

Allowable snack bag amounts:

  • Three snack food items
  • One drink

Fall and Spring Hours

  • Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Summer Hours

  • Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

For more information call the Cougar Support Center 661-763-7812 or send an email to basic.needs@taftcollege.edu

Student Support Coordinator: Giselle Hovind, ghovind@taftcollege, 661-763-7814

 

On-Campus Resources


If you need some extra help with basic needs but don’t know where to turn, Taft College is here. Explore the different resources available to every student.
  • 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.

    Learn more

  • 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.

    Learn more

  • 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.

    Learn more

  • 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.

    Learn more