News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2019-06-26-promise
June 26, 2019
Canyons Promise Sees Record-Breaking Growth
“I am going to be the first of my family to go to college,” wrote one of the 738 students
who were accepted into the 2019-20 Canyons Promise cohort in their application essay.
“Being a part of this program will help me succeed in my future and have the ability
to transfer to a UC or Cal State University.” Canyons Promise, which waives tuition
and fees for new full-time college students during their first year of study, will
serve more students than ever when the new cohort enters College of the Canyons in
fall 2019.
The program, previously known as First-Year Promise, achieved a record-breaking increase
of 111 percent over its launch in 2017, when 350 students were accepted.
“We are excited to see the new Canyons Promise class start this fall,” said Jasmine
Ruys, associate vice president of enrollment services. “It has been incredible to
witness the program’s continuous growth and its successful impact on students who
have participated.”
This college’s recent Commencement ceremonies for the graduating class of 2019 was
the first to include First-Year Promise students. It included 105 students from the
inaugural First-Year Promise cohort, which began in the fall 2017 semester.
The increase in the number of students COC accepted was made possible through a combination
of state funds and private donations.
“We are so grateful to all the donors who contributed to the Foundation’s fundraising
campaign for the Canyons Promise program,” said Murray Wood, Chief Development Officer
at the COC Foundation. “Their generosity will make a difference to the lives of so
many of our students, as their gifts pay dividends for years to come.”
In addition to waived tuition and fees, students also benefit from priority registration
privileges and receive a $100 voucher per semester that can be applied toward textbooks,
supplies and instructional materials.
Many courses are offered with the benefits of Zero Textbook Cost materials, peer
mentors, and other learning community elements. Students also have access to a parking
pass or city bus pass, and free computer lab printing services.
Students are welcomed into the program with a half-day summer counseling workshop
during which they complete career assessments and receive academic guidance.
To help students remain on track, counseling and student support are offered throughout
the year. Students who maintain eligibility the first year will be eligible for waived
tuition and fees for their second year.
A Welcome Day event on Friday, Aug. 9 will help all Canyons Promise students gain
the skills needed to be successful. In addition, students new to COC are welcome to
attend.