What are college promise programs?
College Promise Programs are commitments to fund a college education for every eligible student advancing on the path to earn a college degree, a certificate, and/or credits that transfer to a four-year university. These are additional programs that students can apply to and get at minimum their first two semesters of community college financially covered along with mentoring, summer bridge, and other academic support.
Who is eligible? What are the requirements?
Eligibility ranges by the program. Some programs ask you to be a first-time college student and some do not. Another eligibility requirement can include GPA, family income, and the number of units being taken per semester (full-time vs. part-time student). These requirements vary by program, however, because California offers over 50 programs, it is certain you will find one for you!
How can I apply?
To apply to a college promise, please follow Catalog of Local and State College Promise Programs to find the list of college promise programs that apply to you. In this list, the college promise programs are split between statewide and local programs. Statewide programs mean geographic eligibility allows students from anywhere in the state to apply, while local programs are open to only those students in the area. This list includes the program description, requirements, and contact information.
Here are two examples of statewide programs that may be open to you:
Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
- Is available to California residents attending the state’s UC schools who have a total family income below $80,000 and meet other campus-specific grant aid requirements
- Covers four semesters and can be used at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, or UC Santa Cruz toward a Bachelor’s degree
- Provides support including textbook vouchers, transportation benefits, and housing assistance.
- Students can be part-time or full time
- For more information, visit admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuitionfinancial-aid/types-of-aid/blue-and-goldopportunity-plan.html or contact (800) 207- 1710 or ucinfo@applyucsupport.net.
The California College Promise Grant
- Available to California students who qualify for at least one of the following: Cal Grant, an unmet need of $1,104 or more, is a current recipient of TANF/CalWORKS, (SSI/SSP), has certification/documentation from the California Department of Veterans Affairs, California National Guard Adjutant General, California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board, or another public agency that you are eligible for a dependent’s fee waiver; or has a family income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty line
- The Promise covers four or more semesters and can be used at any of California’s community colleges for a vocational award or for the general education requirements needed for an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
- For more information, visit home.cccapply.org/money/california-college-promise-grantor contact (916) 327-5356 or pdorr@cccco.edu.
While these are just two of the many California College Promise programs, there are several others that can fit your location and needs. There are people and programs willing to help you as a first-generation college student, all you need to do is apply! College is for you.
Catalog of Local and State College Promise Programs (Pages 10-27)
California Promise Programs Spreadsheet (List Doc, Statewide+Local)
