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COC To Launch First Year Promise Grant Program In Fall

College of the Canyons is set to launch a program aimed to reduce the cost of education as part of the ‘college promise’ program throughout the state of California.


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COC announced February the First Year Promise (FYP) program, a pathway that will provide increased opportunities for new full-time college students to achieve their educational goals, through a $667,000 grant from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO).

Out of 51 community college districts that applied, COC was one of only 14 colleges awarded a CCCCO grant through the California College Promise Innovation Grant Program, according to officials.

“This grant will be instrumental in knocking down the many barriers students face to reach their educational goals,” said College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook. “The college’s ‘First Year Promise’ program will not only reduce the financial burden for new full-time students, it will also enhance their ability to succeed and build a foundation for lifelong learning.”

In an annual student survey conducted by COC, the cost of textbooks was identified as a top barrier to achieving educational goals by 75 percent of students surveyed; 35 percent of students reported they cannot afford any textbooks.

In response, the college has encouraged the use of Open Educational Resources (OER), which are teaching and learning materials that have been released in the public domain or under an intellectual property license as a no-cost alternative to costly commercial textbooks.

According to the nonprofit College Board, the cost of textbooks and supplies average $1,390 per year for students at a public two-year in-district commuter school.

By using OER materials instead of commercial textbooks, COC students save an estimated $1.5 million each year.

Additional resources that are available to students to alleviate college costs include an Associated Student Government food bank, access to child care at the Early Childhood Education Centers at the Valencia and Canyon Country campuses, on-campus bus stops, as well as a robust financial aid department and scholarship program.

The college expanded its College Now! program to allow all William S. Hart Union High School District juniors and seniors to enroll in COC courses without having to leave their high school campus or pay enrollment fees.

Participating high school students receive concurrent enrollment status, which allows them to enroll in any degree-applicable coursework offered at the Valencia campus, Canyon Country campus or online.

Part of the William S. Hart Union High School District, Academy of the Canyons (AOC) is a middle college high school located at the college’s Valencia campus that also provides students with concurrent enrollment status. In addition, AOC introduces high school students to college culture, which builds a foundation for lifelong learning.

“Our reputation for institutional effectiveness, data-driven initiatives, and dedication to reducing higher education costs sets us apart as a college,” said Van Hook. “We are very excited to implement the First Year Promise program to continue supporting course completion and student success.”

The First Year Promise program is scheduled to launch this fall with 300 qualifying students.  

Eligible incoming students will enroll in a one-year sequence of courses with priority registration, preceded by summer orientation to learn about majors and receive academic guidance.

FYP courses will be offered with the benefits of OER textbooks and other learning community elements. To ensure participating students remain on track, ongoing counseling and student support will also be offered.

Additionally, each FYP student will receive a $100 voucher per semester that can be applied toward other supplies and instructional materials. Free computer lab printing services will also be provided by the college.

Ed. Note: This article is a press release from College of the Canyons.

 

 

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COC To Launch First Year Promise Grant Program In Fall

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About Devon Miller

Devon Miller was born and raised in Santa Clarita. He joined KHTS Radio as a digital marketing intern in September of 2017, and later moved to news as a staff writer in December. Miller attended College of the Canyons and served as the Associated Student Government President. Miller is now News Director for KHTS, covering breaking news and politics across the Santa Clarita Valley.