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SCC Promise Scholarship

Welcome to SCC's Promise Scholarship!

More than a promise…the Santiago Canyon College (SCC) Promise Scholarship helpsfirst-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.  ​

Recent High School Grads or 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). Be sure 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. 

STEP 4: Attend Early Welcome registration in March 2026 & April 2026. By participating in Early Welcome, you will receive one year of priority registration. For more information, visit sccollege.edu/outreach or call the High School Outreach Department at 714-628-4808.

Promise Scholarship Award

Based on your financial aid status, the SCC Promise Scholarship is awarded only to students who do not qualify for financial aid through the FAFSA or the CA Dream Act Application.

Students who qualify for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) or any other form of tuition assistance through FAFSA or the CA Dream Act are not eligible for the Promise Scholarship.

Eligible students will receive a $700 Promise Scholarship award per semester (fall/spring) for two years for a total of $2,800.

In addition to the funds 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!
  • 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.
  • Lastly, a Promise Scholar will also have access to Promise Pod meetings, which are designed to offer insight into academic and social life at Santiago Canyon College, as well as introduce students to activities and events on campus. The Promise Pod can also serve as an excellent resource for students as they begin navigating their way through college.

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: May 31st, 2026

  • 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: May 31st, 2026. 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 each Fall and Spring semester while participating in the Promise Scholarship.  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.
  • Complete a Promise Pod in the Hawk 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 who 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 that a substandard grade of "F, W, and EW" will not be considered toward 12-unit completion.
 
  • Students must pay initial tuition payment ​to secure classes. 
  • Recipient students will select a refund preference with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc. (our third-party servicer) to receive the tuition reimbursements. Please visit the Financial Aid Department in Building E, Room 104, if you have any questions regarding BankMobile Disbursements.
  • 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​

The SCC Promise Scholarship provides a $700 scholarship award and comprehensive student support services to eligible first-time, full-time students during their participation in the program.

The SCC Promise Scholarship is available to first-time college students, including students who completed college coursework through Dual Enrollment.

To be eligible, students must:
Be a California resident or AB 540–eligible, be a first-time college student, be enrolled full time (12 units each Fall and Spring semester), unless approved through DSPS, and not qualify for financial aid through the FAFSA, California Dream Act, or the California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

Students who receive tuition assistance through FAFSA, the California Dream Act, or CCPG are not eligible for the SCC Promise Scholarship.

Yes. All students must complete and submit either the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application. These applications are used to determine financial aid eligibility, including whether a student qualifies for tuition assistance that would make them ineligible for the Promise Scholarship.

Yes, Students must complete the Promise Scholarship Pledge Application, which confirms their understanding of the eligibility requirements and participation expectations of the program.

Application deadlines are set each academic year. Students are encouraged to apply by April 24th, 2026, as funding is limited and eligibility is determined on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligible students will receive the $700 scholarship award through BankMobile Disbursements, in accordance with college disbursement timelines and enrollment verification.

In addition to the scholarship award, SCC Promise Scholars receive ongoing academic and student support services, including:

Student Success Workshops, Mentorship & Guidance, Personalized Comprehensive Student Education Plans (CSEP), Priority counseling and advising, Career exploration and transfer support, Assistance with enrollment, financial aid, and campus resources.

These services are designed to support student success, retention, and timely completion of educational goals.

Students with verified disabilities that impact their ability to maintain 12 units per semester may still be eligible for the SCC Promise Scholarship. Enrollment requirements for students registered with Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) are determined on an individual basis in accordance with California College Promise state guidelines. To schedule an appointment with DSPS, please call (714) 628-4860 or email dsps@sccollege.edu.

​
PROCESS AND TIMELINE

All interested students must complete the Promise Scholarship Pledge Application​​. Don't hesitate to contact the Hawk Support Center at (714) 628-5085 for assistance.

SCC will verify that you have met the eligibility requirements and send you an email regarding your status by late July or early August.

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 the end of each semester after program requirements have been evaluated.

Yes, you must pay your tuition bill by the deadline to avoid being dropped due to non-payment.

If you have any questions, let us help!  Don't hesitate to contact the Hawk 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 freetuition@sccollege.edu.