Team
Welcome, Ray Davenport
Student Services Assistant, CalWORKs
What is your role at Merced College?
I’m a Student Services Assistant in the CalWORKs program at the Los Banos Campus. My primary focus is providing support and resources to our students who are balancing their education with other responsibilities, like family and work.
What part of your job do you enjoy most?
The best part of my job is helping students and seeing them succeed in reaching their goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their hard work pay off and know I’ve played a part in their journey. CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) is a state-funded welfare-to-work program that supports families receiving public assistance, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), cash aid, and food assistance. The main goal is to provide students with educational and career opportunities, helping them build a stronger future for themselves and their families.
Tell us about yourself. What brought you to Merced College?
I first came to Merced College as a student at the Business Resource Center. I initially enrolled to keep myself busy while my kids were in school. While completing a computer certificate course, I became eligible for a work-study position, which opened the door to employment as a Computer Lab Assistant. That short-term opportunity eventually grew into a permanent position on the Los Banos Campus. Over time, I found my way to the CalWORKs program, where I’ve been able to combine my skills and passion for helping students.
How do you see your work or your role evolving in the next few years?
In the coming years, I see opportunities to connect with the combined array of support services directly connected to my department. This includes working with programs like EOPS and CARE, and our community counterparts such as county social services. These collaborations will not only help me grow and gain experience in new areas but will also allow me to provide even greater support to our students. I’m excited about the possibilities and how these connections can make a real difference for me
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to travel and explore new places. Sightseeing is one of my favorite activities, and I enjoy visiting museums—especially those that highlight history, technology, and the arts. And I still fly kites during the holidays, something my kids and I used to do while walking along the beach.