FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Doug Schultz
Communications Supervisor
626-852-6497
dschultz@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College Launches Promise Program During Annual K-14 Education Forum
Glendora, Calif. (April 27, 2018) - Local students will soon be able to enroll at Citrus College for little to no cost, with the help of a highly anticipated program introduced at the college's K-14 Education Forum on April 27.
The Citrus College Promise, a program designed to cover enrollment fees and other college costs for first-time students, was unveiled during the annual event. The Citrus College Board of Trustees, K-12 partners, university representatives, community leaders, supporters of the Citrus College Foundation and college administrators were on hand to celebrate the launch. During the event, guests were invited to participate in a signing ceremony to demonstrate their support of the exciting new initiative.
"The introduction of the Citrus College Promise is a historic moment for the college and its surrounding communities," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "Building upon our innovative efforts to increase student success and college completion rates, this program will change lives and transform communities by opening the doors of educational opportunity for hundreds of first-time college students. Sharing this important milestone with our partners, supporters and friends is incredibly meaningful. Their input, collaboration and assistance will continue to be vital as Citrus College fulfills its commitment to prepare and equip students as they work toward their academic and professional goals."
Supported by the Citrus College Foundation and the state's California College Promise Grant, the Citrus College Promise will leverage the student success initiatives that are already in place. These include the Early Decision program, which assists students as they progress from high school to college, and I Will Complete College (IWCC), an innovative program that places first-time students in cohorts and provides them with individual assistance and guidance.
To be eligible for the Citrus College Promise, high school seniors must participate in Citrus College's Early Decision program at a district high school. Home school and private school students who live in the college's service area and have signed up for an on-campus Early Decision event are also eligible.
"In recent years, there has been a growing movement to provide the first year of college free to incoming freshmen. As a result, many community colleges have created programs that eliminate enrollment fees for that first year," said Dr. Perri. "However, the Citrus College Promise takes a different approach. This program is focused on college completion and covers the enrollment fees for a student's first two years. It is designed to both remove financial obstacles and provide academic support services."
In addition to having their enrollment fees waived, students will also benefit from the Citrus College Promise in other ways. A variety of additional costs, such as the student health fee and the student representation fee, will be waived. Students will also receive a Class Pass, which provides unlimited transportation on Foothill Transit busses.
Earlier this year, the Citrus College Foundation launched a fundraising campaign to help pay for the costs connected to this $1 million program. The Foundation has pledged a commitment of nearly $300,000 in charitable support for the first year of the Citrus College Promise, and it anticipates ramping up multi-year pledges due to on-going costs connected to the Citrus College Promise.
"The Citrus College Promise will remove many of the barriers that often prevent students from pursuing higher education, as well as those obstacles that can impede their success after enrollment," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "Four years ago, Citrus College hosted its inaugural K-14 Education Forum with the goal of developing ways to strengthen college readiness and college completion. The resulting collaboration between the college and its K-12 partners has enhanced the way in which the needs of students are met. Launching this exciting new program during this year's forum brings us full circle. This is a monumental moment for the college and the communities it serves."
To support student success at Citrus College, contact the Citrus College Foundation by phone at 626-914-8825 or visit
www.citruscollege.edu/foundation
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