The program for a tuition-free first year at College of the Canyons is accepting applications until Monday.

The First Year Promise (FYP) is a pathway that will provide increased opportunities for new full-time college students to achieve their educational goals — the school is accepting applications until May 15.

The Promise waves tuition and fees during their first year of study and encourages the use of low-cost Open Educational Resources (OER) textbooks, according to officials.

The pathway is set to launch this fall with an estimated 300 qualifying students.

To be eligible, students must be a California resident (or AB540-eligible student) and a graduate from the William S. Hart Union High School District or neighboring school district in spring 2017.

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.

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.

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.

FYP is funded 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.

To apply or for more information visit the First Year Promise website.