Canyons Promise is a Smart College Choice for Graduating Seniors

With the spring semester in full swing, it’s a time of both excitement and uncertainty for high school seniors and their families. They are considering the opportunities and choices that follow graduation, and beginning to make decisions about what comes next.
One of the best opportunities to consider is the Canyons Promise program at College of the Canyons. Launched in 2017, Canyons Promise helps students achieve their educational goals by paying tuition and fees for up to two years of full-time study.
But Canyons Promise offers more than just free tuition. It provides students with high-touch student support and ongoing academic and career counseling that is proven effective in helping them achieve their goals. Our 2019 cohort of Canyons Promise students earned a cumulative 3.30 grade point average, with 46 percent choosing to enroll in our Honors program.
“It’s helped me be more focused on what I’m going to do, so it’s made my plans bolder and made me feel more confident,” a Canyons Promise alumna said of the program’s impact on her success.
To be eligible for Canyons Promise, students must be California residents (or AB 540-eligible) and enrolling in college for the first time. To apply for Canyons Promise, students submit College of the Canyons applications for the summer and fall 2021 semesters, as well as the Promise Sign-up Form and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and complete COC’s assessment, advisement and orientation steps.
Those who are accepted into the program will get a head start on college this summer. By completing two summer College Skills courses and participating in our Promise Orientation and exciting College Welcome Day, students will start the fall semester with the preparation and focus to transition successfully into college.
The deadline for applying and completing all the necessary steps to be part of Canyons Promise is May 1, 2021. It seems far away, but with all the excitement that marks the last semester of high school, it will pass quickly. I highly encourage students and their families to take the opportunity to complete all the required steps as soon as possible.
To the 2021 Hart district seniors, congratulations to you on your upcoming graduation, and I look forwarding to seeing you at College of the Canyons!
Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook serves as chancellor of College of the Canyons. For more information about Canyons Promise, please visit www.canyons.edu/promise.