If you are attending or thinking about attending a community college in the Los Angeles area, check out these Promise programs for benefits, including reductions to tuition and fees.
College Promise programs are initiatives by community college districts to make college affordable and offer extra supports, like academic advising and priority registration. All programs have varying requirements, but usually require a student to be a California resident, or to be exempt from non-resident fees under AB 540; complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA); enroll full-time in a program as a first-time college student; and maintain a satisfactory GPA while enrolled.
For information on individual college programs or the statewide California College Promise, please click the button to view the spreadsheet or see the full list below. If you are interested in a promise program not listed on this page, please be sure to visit the website of the college offering the program for additional information.
VIEW THE INTERACTIVE SPREADSHEET
Antelope Valley College Promise
Antelope Valley College Promise serves first-year college students with a strategy designed to support students to the completion of their educational goal of a degree in higher education and/or certificate. The program helps students "begin with the end in mind," through educational planning, financial wellness and forecasting career opportunities in a timely and efficient manner. The program is open to all and offers two years of free classes and priority registration. Additionally, students and their families will have access to the following:
- Advanced access to and priority consideration for campus support programs and services
- Student Success Kick-Off/Student Success Workshop
- Human Development 101 course
- Peer mentoring
- Parent & Family Orientation
- ParentLingo
- New Student Welcome Reception
- Study hall
- Strategies for student success
- FYE counselor(s)
- FYE events, workshops ... and more!
Requirements:
- First-time students (It is ok if you took college classes as a high school student.)
- Enroll full-time at a participating college (12 units or three classes)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application
- Must be a CA Resident or AB-540 Student
To Apply:
- Complete the financial aid requirement outlined by the California Promise and California Promise Grant
- Complete the College Online Orientation
- Check your myAVC account and Google Docs for your Recommended Course Sequence Sheet
- Attend a New Student Success Workshop
- Attend the Registration Workshop and register for 12 or more units
For questions, contact Director Michelle Hernandez at [email protected] or [email protected].
Canyons Promise
College of the Canyons' Canyons Promise is dedicated to expanding student resources by removing financial obstacles and barriers to student services that often inhibit student access to higher education. The program is open to all and, in addition to two years of free classes, offers priority registration; a parking permit or local city bus pass for fall and spring semesters; and career and academic major guidance.
Requirements:
- First-time students (It is ok if you took college classes as a high school student.)
- Enroll full-time at a participating college (12 units or three classes)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application
- Must be a CA Resident or AB-540 Student
To Apply:
- Complete the College of the Canyons (COC) enrollment application
- Complete the Promise sign-up form
- Complete the financial aid requirement outlined by the California Promise and California Promise Grant
- Assessment: Math and English or ESL
- Participate in an advisement session
- Participate in an orientation
For questions, send a message.
Cerritos Complete
Cerritos Complete is a student success initiative that focuses on students’ pledge to earn and complete their degrees or certificates on time. This program provides opportunities for students to obtain the skills and knowledge needed for college, explore a variety of careers, save money on their college education, and graduate from college on-time. In addition to two years of free classes, students will receive:
- Priority registration
- Step-by-step assistance to prepare for college
- One-on-one counseling and advisement
- Career exploration
- Personalized educational plans
Requirements:
- Exclusive district partnership for ABC, Bellflower, Compton, Downey, Lynwood, Norwalk-La Mirada or Paramount Unified School District graduates
- First-time students (It is ok if you took college classes as a high school student.)
- Enroll full-time at participating college (12 units or three classes)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application
- Must be a CA Resident or AB-540 Student
To Apply:
- Complete the financial aid requirement outlined by the California Promise and California Promise Grant
- Submit a Cerritos College Summer Application
- Submit a Cerritos Complete Promise Program Intent Form - Form opens Oct. 5 and closes March 2
- Complete your Math and English/ESL Placement (Self-Report Tool) in your MyCerritos account
- Complete a Falcon Edge Orientation Workshop and Counseling Appointment
- Enroll in your fall semester classes in your MyCerritos account
For questions, email [email protected], call 562.860.2451 ext. 2212, or visit the campus at Multipurpose Building (MP), MP-100 Office A-F.
Citrus College Promise
The Citrus College Promise Program increases college access for first-time Citrus College students, provides student support and promotes completion. The program is open to all and offers two years of free classes and priority registration. Covered mandatory fees include registration, health services, student representation, class pass, student services fees and participation in a textbook voucher program.
Requirements:
- First-time students (It is ok if you took college classes as a high school student.)
- Enroll full-time at participating college (12 units or three classes)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application
- Must be a CA Resident or AB-540 Student
To Apply:
- Complete the requirements of the early decision program or the onboarding process for a student support program
- Sign the I Will Complete College/Promise Pledge
- Declare a course of study/major before the end of the first year
- Must enroll in English and/or math every semester until college/transfer level English and math required courses are completed
For questions, you can contact one of the following:
- Nilda Chavez, outreach supervisor, at [email protected]
- Art Corral, completion specialist, at [email protected]
- Alexa Filatoff, completion specialist, at [email protected]
- Justin Susi, completion specialist, at [email protected]
- Lilianna Verduzco, completion specialist, at [email protected]
Compton College Promise
The Compton College Promise was established to make a college education more accessible and affordable. The program offers two years of free classes as well as the following benefits:
- Priority registration at Compton College before graduating from high school for CUSD, LUSD and PUSD seniors.
- Participation in a tablet/laptop loan program during the first two years at Compton College. Students are allowed to keep their college-issued tablet/laptop if they are enrolled full-time at census for the third semester.
- Provides up to $400 per year for textbooks and course materials and supplies.
- Assistance with the completion of a Financial Fit Plan to help high school graduates access all available financial aid to help pay for college.
- Summer Bridge classes at Compton College for recent high school graduates to assist with a successful transition to college-level courses.
Requirements:
- Exclusive to Compton, Lynwood or Paramount Unified school district graduates
- First-time students (It is ok if you took college classes as a high school student.)
- Enroll full-time at participating college (12 units or three classes)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application
- Must be a CA Resident or AB-540 Student
To Apply:
- Complete financial aid requirement outlined by the California Promise and California Promise Grant
- Complete and submit the Compton College Promise form
- Complete an orientation
- Create an Education Plan - Email [email protected] when you are ready to set up an appointment with a counselor
For questions, contact Nelly Alvarado, Ed.D., Director of Educational Partnerships, at [email protected] or 310.900.1600, ext. 2763.
GCCPromise
Glendale Community College’s promise program is open to all and offers two years of free classes, covering the cost of your tuition for full-time enrollment.
Requirements:
- First-time students (it is ok if you took college classes as a high school student.)
- Enroll full-time at participating college (12 units or three classes)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application
- Must be a CA Resident or AB-540 Student
To Apply:
- Complete the financial aid requirement outlined by the California Promise and California Promise Grant
- Complete placement and online orientation
- Meet with a counselor and complete your first, one or two semester student education plan (SEP)
- Register for classes
For questions, visit Glendale Community College’s counseling portal.
Long Beach College Promise
The Long Beach College Promise program offers two years of free classes as well as the following benefits:
- Participation in the Viking Summer Voyage – a FREE two-week summer bridge program that will help you transition to LBCC
- Access to an LBCC Student Success Network of academic coaches, mentors and counselors who will support your student academic success
- Enrollment in a first-year college success course
- Assistance during your second year at LBCC that will be focused on career development and mentoring
Requirements:
- Exclusive partnership for Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) graduates. To be eligible, students must enroll at LBCC directly following graduation from an LBUSD high school.
- First-time students (It is ok if you took college classes as a high school student.)
- Enroll full-time at participating college (12 units or three classes)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application
- Must be a CA Resident or AB-540 Student
To Apply:
- Complete the financial aid requirement outlined by the California Promise and California Promise Grant
- Complete and submit
- Complete the online orientation
- Check your course placement information
- Register for classes
For questions, contact the First-Year Experience Program at [email protected] or 562.938.5074.
Los Angeles College Promise Program
Los Angeles College Promise helps students "start right" on their way to "ending right" with a degree, university transfer or workforce certificate in a timely, efficient manner. The program is open to all and offers two years of free classes, priority registration and a free laptop for students. Additionally, students will have access to:
- Supplemental Instruction (SI) tutors
- First-Year Experience social and extracurricular activities
- Success Coaches to help answer general questions, refer resources, and support you on your college journey
- Travel abroad opportunities
- Participation in L.A. College Promise Works
Explore more using USC's Student Navigator Network.
Requirements:
- First-time students (It is ok if you took college classes as a high school student.)
- Enroll full-time at participating college (12 units or three classes)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application
- Must be a CA Resident or AB-540 Student
To Apply:
- Complete the financial aid requirement outlined by the California Promise and California Promise Grant
- Complete and submit the LACP Interest Form (Some individual colleges have their own form; please visit their websites.)
- Complete assessment placements, online orientation and education plan
- Log into your student portal and complete any checklist items or holds
- Enroll in FYC Summer Transition Activity
- Register for Classes
For questions, click here.
PCC Promise
The goal of the Pasadena City College’s Promise program is to provide students with an opportunity to have access to higher education, while removing the cost of college as a potential barrier. The program is open to all and offers two years of free classes. Priority registration and reduced parking fees are available.
Requirements:
- First-time students (It is ok if you took college classes as a high school student.)
- Enroll full-time at participating college (12 units or three classes)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application
- Must be a CA Resident or AB-540 Student
To Apply:
- Complete the financial aid requirement outlined by the California Promise and California Promise Grant
- Activate your LancerPoint
- Complete online orientation, math and English placement, new student counseling workshop, FYE Open House, Register for JAM, and register for classes
For questions, email [email protected] or visit the Virtual Support Center.
Rio Promise
Rio Hondo College’s Promise program is open to all and offers two years of free classes. Priority registration is available.
Requirements:
- First-time students (It is ok if you took college classes as a high school student.)
- Enroll full-time at participating college (12 units or three classes)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application
- Must be a CA Resident or AB-540 Student
To Apply:
- Complete the financial aid requirement outlined by the California Promise and California Promise Grant
- Complete online orientation and assessment/placement tool and education plan
- Complete one of the following:
- Attend an Educational Planning Workshop, or
- Enroll in a Counseling 105 class (if offered at your high school), or
- Make an appointment with a Rio Hondo College Counselor
If you need help with these steps, connect with the Rio Hondo College Outreach Representative at your high school or call the Student Success and Dream Center at 562.463.6650.
SMC Promise
The Santa Monica College Promise (SMCP) program is a collection of services and benefits for first-time college students who just recently graduated from high school. The program is open to all and offers two years of free classes. Priority registration is available. Students can also receive a free laptop and Student ID Card and up to $1,200 in textbook vouchers.
Requirements:
- First-time students (It is ok if you took college classes as a high school student.)
- Enroll full-time at participating college (12 units or three classes)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application
- Must be a CA Resident or AB-540 Student
To Apply:
- Complete the financial aid requirement outlined by the California Promise and California Promise Grant
- Complete orientation
- Review course placement
- Develop education plan
- Enroll in Classes
For questions, view the FAQ here.
South Bay Promise
Paying for college can be intimidating. With the South Bay Promise from El Camino College, you can ease the burden on your bank account and get your degree in two years – guaranteed. The program is open to all and offers two years of free classes and Personalized Support & Success Program orientations. Priority registration is available for first-semester students. Students can also borrow a Surface Go laptop via Laptop Loan thanks to the El Camino College Foundation.
Requirements:
- First-time students (It is ok if you took college classes as a high school student.)
- Enroll full-time at participating college (12 units or three classes)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application
- Must be a CA Resident or AB-540 Student
To Apply:
- Complete the financial aid requirement outlined by the California Promise and California Promise Grant
- Complete and submit a South Bay Promise Application
- Complete the English and Mathematics Placement Survey in MyECC
- Complete the New Student Orientation
- Connect with an approved South Bay Promise Student Support & Success Program or Pathway (requirements and application deadlines vary)
- Register for classes
For questions, contact the South Bay Promise at [email protected] or 310.660.6464.