The Covid-19 pandemic challenged but did not disrupt Calbright’s operations. We were designed to be an online-only college that would be flexible in meeting its students where they are and fitting into their lives.
The pandemic caused us to develop more approaches to supporting our students, and find new ways to reach out. If you are a student who has had their life disrupted by the pandemic or faced significant personal challenges, we want to know. Our staff have developed many supportive relationships during the pandemic with students like David, and have many resources available that they can refer you to.
Whatever you need, we want to talk to you about it.
Here is the list of some of the resources we can refer you to. They are available to any student, for any reason.
WellConnect
Calbright offers all students free access to WellConnect, a confidential help service for real-life issues. They have resources to help with mental health and counseling, housing, finding child care providers, legal matters, issues with finances — basically everything adults can struggle with on a day-to-day basis.
If you are enrolled with us, please contact your Academic Advisor or email success@calbright.org for further information and support.
Unemployment Insurance
If you are employed and your employer has reduced your hours or shut down operations due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, you can file an unemployment insurance claim. Unemployment Insurance provides partial wage replacement benefits: direct payments to those who have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced.
We can assist you in setting up a claim. Contact an Academic Advisor or email success@calbright.org for help.
Additionally, if you are unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim.
If you’re unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim.
California’s employment agency has provided a FAQ for people with questions about unemployment and disability and family leave for people affected by the coronavirus.
For additional questions about unemployment benefits or legal issues surrounding unemployment, a non-profit coalition, Working Partnerships, and the Santa Clara County Office of Labor Standards Enforcement have provided a hotline with help in several languages. Call: 408-809-2124
Multilingual legal assistance with unemployment issues is also available from the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California, by calling 415-484-2209.
Finding New Jobs
Onward CA has a new website to match California residents with jobs and resources.
The non-profit job training agency NOVA has also published a list of employers who are hiring for new jobs.
Obtaining Health Insurance through CoveredCA (opens new window)
CoveredCA has opened their enrollment for health insurance coverage due to the crisis caused by COVID-19. Here are some instructions for how to apply:
- Log in to your CoveredCA.com account (or start an online account if you don’t have one).
- Select “Apply Now.”
- You will be asked to select a qualifying life event from the drop-down menu. Select “COVID-19/New State Penalty or Financial Help/Coverage loss.”
Getting tested or screened for the Coronavirus
If you think you need a test or additional care, find answers to questions about insurance coverage here.
Spanish-Language Coronavirus Resources for Latinos
Salud America has compiled trusted resources en español for COVID-19 on their website linked here (opens new window).
Resources for Undocumented Students
All Californians are eligible to study at Calbright, regardless of immigration status. A number of resources are available for undocumented students, Immigrants Rising is offering Wellness Gatherings and advice on legal rights. HEFAS (Higher Education For AB540 Students) has also produced a list of resources.
