Welcome to SCC's Promise Scholarship!
More than a promise…the Santiago Canyon College (SCC) Promise Scholarship helps first-time college students complete their associate degree, transfer requirements, or workforce certificate(s) by accelerating paths to achieve success. We strive to provide a seamless transition into college and equip students with a supportive and engaging environment.
2023 High School Grads and First-time College students are eligible to receive a Promise Scholarship, regardless of family income!
STEP 1: Apply for admission to Santiago Canyon College @ sccollege.edu.apply.
STEP 2: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA DREAM Act Application (CADAA). Remember to indicate Santiago Canyon College school code (036957) as your home location.
STEP 3: Complete the Promise Scholarship Pledge Application. Be sure to apply early because applicants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Based on your Financial Aid status, all Promise students will be eligible to receive one of two scholarships.
The first scholarship is for students who do not qualify for financial aid through the FAFSA or CA DREAM Act. In this case, the Promise Scholarship will reimburse your tuition fees up to $1400 each academic year ($700 Fall 2023 & $700 Spring 2024; $700 Fall 2024 & $700 Spring 2025).
The Second scholarship is for students who already receive tuition assistance through FAFSA or CA DREAM Act. You will receive a $200 stipend for a total of $800 for two years ($200/semester for two years).
In addition to the monies from the Promise Scholarship, SCC Promise Scholars will receive the following services:
- A First-Year Peer Mentor designed to offer insight into academic and social life at Santiago Canyon College, as well as introduce students to activities and events on campus. Mentors can also serve as an excellent resource for students as they begin navigating their way through college.
- A Promise Scholar will also have priority to a counselor to develop a Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP). The CSEP is a personalized roadmap of every class required to complete your educational goal or program of study. Knowing which courses to take will help save time and money!
- Lastly, a Promise Scholar will also have access to Student Success Workshops to help ease the transition into college by providing skill sets and creating awareness of programs and services offered at SCC. Students will complete eight workshops during the academic year (Fall and Spring) and receive a Student Success Certificate that can be added to college applications when transferring and resume to stand out academically.
Please fill out this Pledge application below as an understanding of the eligibility and scholarship requirements of the SCC Promise Scholarship:
Promise Scholarship Pledge Application
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
AS A FIRST-TIME COLLEGE STUDENT, YOU MUST MEET THESE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SANTIAGO CANYON COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP BY THE NEXT PRIORITY DEADLINE: TBD
- First-time college student - No college units taken at any higher education institution other than units taken while in high school.
- Be a resident of California or AB540 eligible.
- Complete and submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act application by the priority deadline: March 2nd. Students who fill out the FAFSA or California Dream Act application and complete the intake process with the Financial Aid Department by the priority deadline will receive priority to receive the Promise Scholarship. All Promise Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.
AS A FIRST-TIME COLLEGE STUDENT, YOU MUST MEET THESE STUDENT REQUIREMENTS AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER TO RECEIVE YOUR SCC PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP:
- Remain continuously enrolled in 12 units or more per semester (Fall 2023/Spring 2024 & Fall 2024/Spring 2025). Students with verified disabilities impacting their ability to maintain 12 units still qualify. Eligibility for students registered with Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) is
determined individually in accordance with California College Promise state
guidelines.
- Earn a 2.0-grade point average (GPA) each semester and complete 12 units each semester to receive a reimbursement and remain eligible for the subsequent semester. Reimbursements will be credited each term.
- Meet with a Mentor in the First Year Support Center (Building E, Room 303) once each semester during your first year.
- Meet with a Counselor to develop your Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP) to help you understand what courses you need to take to reach your educational goal.
- Attend 8 Student Success Workshops during your first year of college.
DISCLAIMERS
Tuition reimbursements will be credited each term. Students that do not qualify for financial aid through the FAFSA or CA DREAM Act are eligible for the $1,400 Promise Scholarship. Program requirements will be verified (i.e., 2.0 GPA and completion of 12 units) before students can be awarded $700 each semester. Please note a substandard grade of "F" will not be considered toward 12-unit completion.
- Students must pay initial tuition payments to secure classes.
- Recipient students will register with BankMobile (our third-party servicer) to receive tuition reimbursements. Please visit the Financial Aid Department in Building E, Room 104, if you have any questions regarding BankMobile.
- The student will incur the cost of textbooks.
- Students who fail to meet program requirements any semester will no longer qualify for subsequent semesters.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is the SCC Promise Scholarship?
The SCC Promise Scholarship provides one of two scholarships for all first-time, full-time students for two academic years (Fall 2023/Spring 2024 & Fall 2024/Spring 2025 semesters). Voted #3 Best Community College in CA and ranked #13 in the U.S., SCC is committed to your success and will work with you to ensure completion and provide a high-quality education.
- Who is eligible to receive the SCC Promise Scholarship?
The Promise Scholarship is available to all first-time students, regardless of family income. In addition, students that completed college courses while still in high school through Dual Enrollment are also eligible. Students must also be California residents or AB540 eligible.
- Do I need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application to be eligible for the Promise Scholarship?
Everyone must complete and submit a FAFSA or the California Dream Act application to qualify for the Promise Scholarship. Since this scholarship is not based on family income, you can still qualify for free tuition even if you are not eligible to receive any other financial aid assistance. We will provide priority for those students that complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act application by March 2nd, 2023.
- Do I need to apply for the SCC Promise Scholarship?
Yes, you need to fill out the Pledge application as an understanding of the eligibility and scholarship requirements of the SCC Promise Scholarship.
- Is there a deadline for students to apply for the SCC Promise Scholarship?
We are now accepting Promise Scholarship applications for the graduating high school class of 2023 or first-time college students for Fall 2023.
- If I am eligible, how will I receive the $700 credit each semester?
Students eligible for the $1,400 yearly scholarship will have $700 credited to them through BankMobile each semester (Fall 2023/Spring 2024 & Fall 2024/Spring 2025).
- What are the benefits of the SCC Promise Scholarship?
In addition to free tuition for two years, SCC will provide you with the support and guidance needed to reach your educational and career goals. You will receive continuous academic and support services such as student success workshops, academic coaching, personalized, comprehensive student education plans, one-on-one counseling, tutoring, career exploration, and transfer advisement to 4-year universities. Assistance is also available throughout the enrollment process if you need help with your application, financial aid, or other resources and services on campus.
- Are students with disabilities required to take 12 units?
Students
with verified disabilities impacting their ability to maintain 12 units per
semester are eligible for the Santiago Canyon College Promise. Requirements for students registered with
Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) are determined individually in
accordance with California College Promise state guidelines. To schedule an appointment with DSPS, please
call (714) 798-3226 or email dsps@sccollege.edu.
PROCESS AND TIMELINE
- How can I start applying for the SCC Promise Scholarship?
All interested students must complete the Promise Scholarship Pledge Application. Don't hesitate to contact the First Year Support Center at (714) 628-5085 for assistance.
- How and when will I know that I'm eligible to receive the SCC Promise Scholarship?
SCC will verify that you have met the eligibility requirements and send you an email regarding your status by late July or early August.
- I just registered for my courses. Do I have to pay the bill?
Yes, you must pay your tuition bill in full. However, if it is determined that you are eligible to receive the SCC Promise Scholarship, your tuition will be refunded, and your full scholarship funds will be credited to you by late September or mid-October pending program requirements have been met.
- I did not pay my tuition bill, and I see there is a deadline to pay for classes, or they will be dropped. Do I need to pay my bill by that date so my classes won't be dropped for non-payment?
Yes, you must pay your tuition bill by the deadline to avoid being dropped due to non-payment.
- Where can I find out more information about the SCC Promise Scholarship?
If you have any questions, let us help! Don't hesitate to contact the First Year Support Center on the 3rd floor of the E building, Room E-303, for more information. You can also call (714) 628-5085 or email fysc@sccollege.edu.
