OC Promise
About OC Promise
The OC Promise extends the promise of a college education to all incoming first- time, full-time college students, regardless of income status, by waiving tuition fees for the first year and second year. All potential OC Promise students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act application to determine if they are eligible for any other types of financial assistance and complete an educational plan.
California College Promise Grant
The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is a program that provides assistance to cover community college enrollment fees. To be eligible, students must be a California resident or AB 540 eligible. A majority of Oxnard College students, approximately 70%, are eligible for CCPG funding due to financial need, which is determined by factors such as parent’s income and household size for dependent students. For independent students, it is the student (and spouse’s) income and household size. Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to be considered for the CCPG Fee Waiver and other financial aid. Students must sustain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and have a cumulative completion rate of more than 50 percent of the coursework attempted. Drops, withdrawals and failing grades all affect the ability to continue to receive CCPG funding. CCPG will waive enrollment fees for part-time and full-time students who meet the income criteria.
California Promise Grant
The California Promise Grant, waives the enrollment fees for eligible California residents attending California Community College who do not meet the income criteria for the CCPG. Students must register for 12 units or more to be eligible. Students must also sustain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and have a cumulative completion rate of more than 50 percent of the coursework attempted to remain eligible for California Promise Grant funding. Part-time students are not eligible to receive these funds, therefore not eligible to participate in the OC Promise.
The Challenge
The OC Promise is a highly recognizable “brand” within our local community and schools. This program has a strong reputation among our incoming students and community members. Often, students will come to Oxnard College due to our Promise Program, which provides free enrollment fees for two years while they complete a program of study. Unfortunately, the funding to sustain the Promise has declined significantly.
The Need
To maintain stability and better serve our students, donor support is desired for two reasons:
- Two Years Tuition-Free: We wish to continue waiving enrollment fees for all first-time college students who register for 12 units or more each semester and maintain good academic standing, over a two-year period. Continuing to fund the OC Promise will significantly benefit our students by ensuring their enrollment fees are covered by the College.
- Support Additional Students: Unfortunately, many OC students are slightly above the income criteria to receive CCPG funding. As a result, these students must work more hours to stay in school. Contributions will be used to pay the enrollment fees for non-CCPG eligible students who enroll in 12 units or more during the fall or spring, and summer if they enroll in 6 or more units. This will encourage non-CCPG students to take more units and complete a program of study in a timely manner.
