REDDING, CA – For many students attending Shasta College this Fall their tuition will be free for their first year as long as they are first-time, full-time students. A new program, called The Shasta College Promise Program, is providing students who previously may have avoided going to school due to financial considerations, another chance at obtaining a college education.
To qualify for the program, first-time Shasta College students who are California residents need to apply for financial aid, register for 12 units or more, and complete a new student orientation and education plan at the college. Students who completed dual enrollment at their high schools or concurrent or summer enrollment at the college while in high school would still qualify for the Shasta College Promise Program.
"This new program changes the conversation many families have these days when faced with the prospect of paying for college," said Dr. Joe Wyse, Shasta College Superintendent/President. “Now, more students will be able learn a trade, complete a career program or transfer to the university independent of how much family income they may have. At a time of escalating college costs for attending a 4-year university, this program helps remove financial barriers for all first-time students as they pursue their educational and career goals."
The Shasta College Promise Program is designed to support the needs of the region by helping every local high school student who wants to go to college and gain the skills to succeed in the 21st century economy. “This program will encourage more students to attend college and ultimately contribute to the workforce and the local economy in Shasta, Tehama and Trinity counties,” said Eva Jimenez, Associate Vice President, Economic and Workforce Development.
The Shasta Promise program is funded by a mix of private and public funds. The Governor’s recent budget proposal included funding that, if approved, can be used to supplement other funding sources. For information about the Shasta College Promise Program, contact Natalie Tucker at 530-242-7654 or ntucker@shastacollege.edu.
Shasta College supports North State Together, who along with California State University, Chico comprise our Northern California Action Hub.