The Promise Program provides students with resources to achieve success in math and English.
In fall 2022, students registered with the promise program saw 72% completion of English as compared to 38% for non-Promise students. In the same semester, students saw 63% completion of math as compared to 32% for non-Promise students.
The Promise Program has seen growth in membership over the last three semesters following the COVID-19 pandemic. From the 2021-22 school year to the 2023-24 school year, the number of new Promise members has grown from 615 to 828 members.
Outreach supervisor Nilda Chavez said the Promise Program gives students structured support and resources that are specifically tailored to help them succeed.
“With the support of their completion specialists, students are ensured personalized guidance throughout their academic journey” said Chavez via email. “They also provide regular check-ins and follow-ups to assure that program requirements are being met.”
Chavez said Citrus’ School Relations and Outreach also collaborates with local high schools to promote the Promise Program and encourage students to complete the Early Decision steps, which students are asked to complete in order to be eligible for the Promise Program.
Chavez said these steps include meeting with a Citrus College representative at Citrus or at a presentation at their high school, attending an application workshop at their high school and then attending an Early Decision Day.
Here is a list of requirements to be eligible for the Promise Program via the Promise Program’s student support website:
- Complete the early decision program requirements, early decision program or the onboarding process for a student support program such as athletics, CalWORKs, DSPS, EOPS, and Veteran Success Center, including a student education plan (SEP) and new student orientation.
- Submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act application each year. Students must complete all required forms from the financial aid department and clear all college holds prior to the first day of the student’s first semester.
- If eligible, apply to extended opportunity programs and services (EOPS) program.
- Sign the Citrus College Promise Pledge.
- Declare a course of study/major before the end of the first year.
- Complete a comprehensive student education plan by the start of the second year.
- Enroll full-time (minimum 12 units) consecutively throughout the duration of the two-year Promise Program in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. Students who do not enroll full-time in the fall and spring semesters will not receive funds that semester. The Promise Program pays for all mandatory fees during eligible semesters, and students are strongly encouraged to enroll in at least 15 units each semester to ensure timely completion of their academic program within the two years of the Promise program.
- Must enroll in English and/or math every semester until college/transfer-level English and math required courses are completed.
- Maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA before starting the spring semester of year one.
- Complete 30 units of coursework before the start of the fall semester of year two. [Excused withdrawals (EW) and advanced placement (AP) unit credit for passing scores, incomplete (I), and in progress (IP) will count toward the 30 units.]
- Complete the Focus 2, Citrus College’s career assessment program, by the end of the fall semester of year one.
