The SDCCD has already received 5,275 San Diego Promise applications for fall 2023, nearly a 6% increase from last fall.
Apply to the San Diego Promise
Launched by the SDCCD in 2016, graduating high school seniors, first time college students and returning SDCCD students who have not enrolled in courses for three or more semesters (not including summer session) qualify for the San Diego Promise. Foster youth, Veterans of U.S. Armed Forces, formerly incarcerated, undocumented students, and adult learners transitioning to college from the San Diego College of Continuing Education are also welcome to apply. Applicants must be California residents or AB 540 eligible and have completed a high school diploma or high school equivalency.
In addition to a free community college education, every Promise student is granted waived health fees and has access to peer mentors, success coaches, and academic counseling. The program offers grants to those who demonstrate financial need to offset the cost of textbooks and instructional supplies. A limited number of laptops are available for Promise students.
To apply, go to SDCCD Promise and fill out a questionnaire. The application deadline is August 14. For help with the application, the SDCCD outreach team hosts weekly Zoom Drop-In Hours.
The Promise program requires students to complete a financial aid application (Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act) and to enroll in a minimum of 12 units each semester.
“The San Diego Promise teams have done a tremendous job in reaching a brand-new group of students who qualify for the first time,” said Andrew “Luke” Menchaca, SDCCD dean of outreach and student affairs. “The program's outreach footprint can be seen in spaces to reach families and adult learners that the program has not tapped into before. In this new cohort, we have heard many stories of the excitement to return or attend our colleges for the first time. We are excited to welcome this brand-new cohort of students to the San Diego Promise family!”
Students and parents interested in learning more about the San Diego Promise, are encouraged to register for a virtual information night at 6 p.m. on August 17. Register for information night here.