Special Funded Programs at Norco College strives to provide "over-and-above" support services. A former student, Carina Navarro, was someone who optimized all programs and opportunities available to her. As a single parent, Carina initially struggled, then quickly learned about the specialized services. She began working on campus in a work-study position and thrived in her academic journey at Norco College.  

Prior to graduating in 2018 as a Business Administration major, Carina was a part of EOPS/CARE, CalWORKs, and TRIO SSS. She transferred to the University of California, Davis, and majored in International Relations. Through the many on-campus student work-study positions she held at Norco College and UC Davis, she found her passion in higher education and chose to pursue it as a career.  

Carina is currently enrolled at the University of Southern California, pursuing a Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs. Carina will be graduating in May 2023 and looks forward to entering a career that will allow her to provide direct support to students in a similar capacity that was afforded to her.

"As an EOPS/CARE, CalWORKs, and SSS student, I received academic guidance, resources, and moral support to continue on my path within higher education. As a first-generation transfer student, and student-parent, I am thankful for the supportive community and friends found at Norco College that still continues to support me on my educational journey today."

Our goal at Norco College is to increase the number of transfers annually by 15%. Special Funded Programs graduate and transfer hundreds of students each year. Daniela McCarson, Assistant Dean, CalWORKs and Special Funded Programs, shared, “Through intensive case management, educational benefits, textbook support, and multiple counseling sessions, our students achieve higher course success, persistence, retention, and GPA outcomes. It is through the collaborative dedication of our team members working together that our former students choose to maintain close ties to Norco College beyond transfer.”