GCC Promise Plus - Free Tuition

To qualify for GCC’s Promise Plus program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Full-time status in the fall/spring semesters
• Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
• Be a California resident by the start of the summer/fall semester
• Enroll in our one-week Summer Bridge course for orientation

NOTE: If you are unable to achieve or maintain one or more of these requirements, you may be responsible for fees depending on your circumstances, but you will continue to be eligible for other Promise Plus benefits and services if you maintain contact with your Promise Plus counselor.

The Summer Bridge program is designed help new students make the most of their first year in college.

Opportunities include:

• Attending a new student orientation

• Developing a first-year plan of classes depending on your major and goals

• Securing your first semester schedule of classes in reserved or general-population sections

• Learning about support programs, clubs, and activities you can be a part of

• Engaging in discussions about key skills such as time management, critical thinking, study strategies, etc. in order to be a successful student as you enter GCC as a college student

• Help finding student employment for those who’d like to work

• Summer Bridge (Student Development 110: College Success Strategies), a 1-unit CSU transferable class is paid for by the Promise Plus program after you enroll full time for Fall semester (These courses are taught by a GCC Academic and/or career counselor).

Yes, you can sign up for other classes in addition to the Summer Bridge (Student Development 110) course. However, Promise Plus will only cover the fees and tuition costs associated with the one-unit Student Development 110 course. You will be responsible for the additional tuition costs of any other courses aside from Summer Bridge (Student Development 110).

That's okay! If it is your final semester at GCC prior to transferring and/or earning a degree, Promise Plus will still cover your tuition/fees (Student Services and Health) for your final semester. You must email promiseplus@glendale.edu  informing the program that you're approaching your final semester with less than 12 units.

Yes! You are allowed to take classes at another college, as long as the majority of your units are enrolled at GCC during that term. Additionally, you must provide proof of enrollment (i.e. a class schedule) that shows your Name, ID number from that college, and the list of class(es) you're enrolled in at that college. This proof must be emailed to promiseplus@glendale.edu.

Promise Plus funds are disbursed approximately one month after the Fall or Spring semester begins. Please do not be alarmed if you see money owed on your MyGCC at time of enrollment or during this one-month time frame.*

*If you are eligible for other forms of financial aid, you may still see money owed. Please adhere to the same timeframe mentioned above.

A hold is placed on your account when you have outstanding tuition and/or fees. As a GCC Promise Plus student, you will be responsible for Winter and Summer session tuition and fees*. The hold will remain and prevent enrollment in future semesters until the amount is paid in full OR 50% is paid with a payment plan in place with the Tuition & Fees office.

*Students who are part of the Promise Plus program may be eligible for other forms of aid based on their FAFSA/CADAA application. Please check in with your Promise Plus counselor. 

If your GPA falls below a 2.0, you may become ineligible for monetary benefits through Promise Plus. This may also impact other forms of Financial Aid. If you think this applies to you, please check in with a Promise Plus counselor.

• Fall semester Promise Plus students have access to sections of high-demand (General Education) courses reserved for first-year, Promise Plus students.

• Fall reserved courses are designed to help students both explore fields they may
  be interested in but also progress toward completion on a 2-year timeframe. They also have dedicated instructional faculty who are eager to work with our first-year students.

• Fall required course: Student Development 127: Majors Exploration – to help students connect their goals with their specific majors and transfer or career strategy. 

• Promise Plus students have access to specially trained Promise Plus counselors who they connect with on a semester by semester basis. They are a go-to resource for all Promise Plus students.

• During the fall and spring semesters, student will complete a success activity and submit their completion via the Promise Plus website under "Current Promise Plus students". Success Activities create the opportunity for students to engage with the campus community. Additionally, Promise Plus hosts exclusive events and workshops for our students. 

• Throughout the first year, if students become interested in joining programs with
  additional support and resources like our EOPS or Disabled Student programs, Promise Plus staff will help them join and keep the overall GCC experience seamless.

• Promise Plus also helps students get an on-campus job or otherwise connect with financial resources like scholarships, internships, additional financial aid, basic needs, etc.

• The Promise Plus SYE includes continued tuition and fee assistance and the active counseling element. The difference is that each semester’s class lineup will change as each student becomes more focused on their own educational and career pathways.

• Promise Plus will continue to help students connect with their learning communities while also encouraging active participation. For example, we can offer student worker jobs guaranteed if they’re “aligned” with learning pathways, such as research assistants, tutors in their major subjects, etc.

• Second year Promise Plus students will also have a chance to become peer mentors as an option for getting involved with their campus community.
• The SYE will also include counselors reminding and encouraging students to participate in activities geared toward helping them prepare for life after GCC. Examples are interviewing and resume workshops for those entering the workforce or transfer application and essay writing workshops for transfer-minded students.