First-time applicants encouraged to apply for grant

As seniors begin looking into college opportunities, many take interest in community college. Starting this year, the California Promise Grant allows first-time community college students to attend their first two years for free. 

Clovis Community College outreach specialist David Navarro observes the grant’s impact on students and their college experiences. By applying for the grant, students’ families are released from the pressure of college expenses. 

“The program started this year,” Navarro said, “It’s impacted students where now students are considering community college as a first choice just to ease the financial burden off their family.”

The California Promise applies to schools in the State Center Community College District, pursuing a goal to expand the availability of higher education in the state. 

“The whole goal of what we call the California Promise is to really make higher education accessible to everyone,” Navarro continued. “So as long as the student goes to community college, takes 12 units or more, completed a FAFSA and keeps their grades up every semester for four semesters, their two years will be free at the community college. This applies to all 115 community colleges in California.” 

Academic counselor Evangelina Tello encourages students to take advantage of the grant, even if they don’t plan on attending community college.

“I highly recommend having variety of options to consider regarding post high school plans,” Tello said. “Life happens and if their previous plan doesn’t work out they can fall back on this community college plan.”

In the following podcast, Celeste Castaneda interviews David Navarro about the purpose and goal of the California Promise Grant.

After the first two years of community college, there are still many financial aid opportunities for students who find themselves in need, as long as they meet the requirements.

“We have all kinds of financial aid in place for students,” Navarro said. “If a student is not taking advantage of this, they can also take advantage of the other California Promise where when a family is ineligible because of income and they meet certain income eligibility, their classes will be free for every semester again for the first two to three years.” 

The grant presents many opportunities that impact the education of students and their families. Tello advises students to take advantage of the financial aid opportunities in the Valley.

“In the past, some students’ main stress was being able to afford going to college,” Tello said. “Two years of free community college will be a huge relief. No worries about paying for tuition and now they can only focus on paying for their books.”

In order to participate in the California Promise program, a student has to meet certain financial and educational requirements.

“It’s available to all students as long as they meet the financial aid requirements by completing the FAFSA and then taking 12 units or more,” Navarro said. “You could be 30 years old, never attended a community college, and actually go for free; or you could be a recent high school student, 17, 18, 16. As long as your a first time college student, your good; the classes will be free.”  

Applications will be accepted as long as a FAFSA is completed, and for second year students, 12 units or more must have been completed the year prior, as well as 12 units or more for the second year. 

For any questions, contact the financial aid office at Clovis Community College via email. David Navarro can be reached via email.

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