SparkPoint

Overview

Financial Empowerment & Basic Needs Support

Do you want to learn more about budgeting and financial wellness? Do you need free groceries or help navigating a housing emergency? SparkPoint helps you secure your financial and basic needs so you can be your best self and thrive in school!

SparkPoint students can set up personalized financial coaching sessions to learn more about budgeting, credit, debt, and creative ways to expand your budget, like grabbing free groceries on campus and accessing public benefits.

What does SparkPoint offer?

Financial Coaching

SparkPoint offers free financial coaching to students! Schedule a one-on-one financial coaching appointment with our friendly SparkPoint Coordinator to:

Set financial goals
Learn how to build a budget and track your spending
Increase your savings
Improve your credit
Reduce your debt

Free Groceries on Campus

Pick up FREE groceries on campus every week! Fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, grains, meat, shelf items, and snacks are available.

Hours: Monday 12 pm - 5 pm, Tuesday-Thursday 9 am - 5 pm.

Location: Building 17, Room 154 – temporary parking spots in Lot T.

Tips: Plan for a way to carry your groceries, heat-n-serve meals arrive on Tuesday morning, please plan for a wait at peak times.

Food is provided in partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Free Meals While on Campus

Need a meal while on campus? In partnership with Sameritan House the SparkPoint Free Grocery provides free grab-n-go meals for students. Stop by the SparkPoint Free Grocery to pick up a meal!

Drive-Up Grocery Pickup

Grab Second Harvest groceries for your entire household on Fridays between 11 am and 1 pm. Pull into Parking Lot X off CSM Drive. Look for the signs! Open to students, their families, and local community members.

Free Personal Care Products

Personal care can be expensive! Pick up essential care products at SparkPoint to maximize your budget.

Kits are available for pick up at the SparkPoint Free Grocery located in Building 17.

Personal care products - Shampoo, conditioner, dental care products, deodorant, etc.
House hold essentials - Laundry detergent, toilet paper

Free Tax Preparation

In partnership with VITA, SparkPoint offers offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified students. If you need tax prep help schedule a one-on-one tax prep appointment with our friendly SparkPoint Coordinator.

Help Signing Up for CalFresh and Health Insurance

CalFresh provides FREE grocery money to qualified applicants every month. Book a basic needs appointment to see if you qualify and to start your application!

Do you need help getting health insurance? Book a Covered California appointment to explore Covered California options.

Housing Support

Are you looking for support with housing? SparkPoint can help CSM students explore housing goals, create a housing plan, and access emergency housing resources. If you are experiencing a housing crisis, or need help mapping out a housing plan we encourage you to book a basic needs appointment.