Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

No, the Promise Scholars Program is a two-to-three-year program that provides students with financial and academic support. Support includes textbook assistance, food or transportation vouchers, dedicated counseling and career support.

Students who have already earned a Bachelor's degree are not eligible for the Promise Scholars Program, including both the full-time and part-time options. Eligibility is limited to first-time college students or those pursuing their first associate degree.

If you are not eligible for Promise but need financial assistance, we encourage you to explore other resources, such as financial aid, scholarships, and support services available through the college. For more information, please visit our Financial Aid Office or contact us directly.


Full-Time Program

In order to apply for Promise, you must complete the following steps:

  • STEP 1: Enroll at Cañada College
  • STEP 2: Submit Promise Scholars Program Application (accessed via your WebSMART account Home Page)
  • STEP 3: Complete your FAFSA or DREAM Act Application.
  • STEP 4: Meet with the Promise Scholars Program Team and Finalize Your Spot.

After you complete and submit your Promise Scholars Program application, you will receive an email to your SMCCD email account which will outline all the necessary steps and actions you will need to take in order to finalize your acceptance into the program. This will include assessment, meeting with a Promise Scholars Program counselor, and attending an orientation.

Yes. You need to submit a FAFSA/California Dream Act Application and list Cañada College on the application. If you are having trouble completing your application, or have questions, please reach out to the Financial Aid office.
Students who are eligible to be in the Cañada College Promise Scholars Program must be an incoming first year student. Graduating Middle College and graduating Concurrent students are also eligible to apply. Please note Middle College students must reapply to Cañada as First-Time Students. If you have any questions in regards to Promise eligibility please contact us at canpromise@smccd.edu.
All incoming, first semester, Cañada students must attend a New Student Orientation before enrolling into the Fall semester and beginning the Promise Scholars Program. Promise Scholars will be required to attend an additional event to review program expectations, policies, and information prior to beginning in the fall semester. New Scholars should check their email and Canvas regularly for updates regarding Promise Scholars orientation and required events.
Scholars should first meet with their Promise Counselor in order to assess the situation and complete the necessary forms and procedures.

The Promise Scholars Program will provide students who are accepted into the program with financial support for three academic years (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) as long as the student maintains the agreed responsibilities below:

  • Enroll full time (minimum 12 units) for fall and spring terms only. Summer is highly encouraged.
  • Maintain academic progress, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and a completion rate of above 50%.
  • Declare a major.
  • Complete a comprehensive Student Educational Plan (SEP) by the end of your first semester.
  • Meet with dedicated counselor regularly and participate in program activities
  • Students receive other wrap-around services, like priority class registration and a dedicated counselor until they graduate or transfer.
  • Scholars are also eligible to receive monthly incentivized gift cards.

Promise Scholars receive a range of benefits, including:

  • Financial: Waivers for college fees (including: enrollment fees, health fee, student rep fee, student union fee, student body fee)
  • Textbooks: Scholars will receive a textbook stipend each semester (including summer)
  • Incentives: If scholars complete monthly assignments such as attending transfer workshops or creating an educational plan, they can receive monthly $50 gift cards.
  • Academic and Counseling Supports: Scholars are paired with a dedicated Promise Counselor, receive priority registration for classes, and opportunities to connect with peer mentors and other campus resources to navigate the college experience.

 


Part-Time Program

In order to apply for Promise, you must complete the following steps:

  • STEP 1: Enroll at Cañada College
  • STEP 2: Submit Promise Scholars Program Part-time Application
  • STEP 3: Complete your FAFSA or DREAM Act Application.
  • STEP 4: Meet with the Promise Scholars Program Team and Finalize Your Spot.

After you complete and submit your Promise Scholars Program application, you will receive an email to your SMCCD email account which will outline all the necessary steps and actions you will need to take in order to finalize your acceptance into the program. This will include assessment, meeting with a Promise Scholars Program counselor, and attending an orientation.

Yes. You need to submit a FAFSA/California Dream Act Application and list Cañada College on the application, but do not need to qualify for it in order to be in our part-time program. If you are having trouble completing your application, or have questions, please reach out to the Financial Aid office.
Students who are eligible to be in the Cañada College Promise Scholars Program must have less than 30 units before entering our program and must be part-time during their entire time. If you have any questions in regards to Promise eligibility please contact us at canpromise@smccd.edu.
All incoming Cañada students must attend a New Student Orientation before enrolling into the Fall semester and beginning the Promise Scholars Program. Promise Scholars will be required to attend an additional event to review program expectations, policies, and information prior to beginning in the fall semester. New Scholars should check their email and Canvas regularly for updates regarding Promise Scholars orientation and required events.
Scholars should first meet with their Promise Counselor in order to assess the situation and complete the necessary forms and procedures.

The Promise Scholars Program will provide students who are accepted into the program with financial support for three academic years (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) as long as the student maintains the agreed responsibilities below:

  • Enroll part-time (6-9 units per semester) for fall and spring terms only. Summer is highly encouraged.
  • Maintain academic progress, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and a completion rate of above 50%.
  • Declare a major.
  • Complete a comprehensive Student Educational Plan (SEP) by the end of your first semester.
  • Meet with dedicated counselor regularly and participate in program activities
  • Students receive other wrap-around services, like priority class registration and a dedicated counselor until they graduate or transfer.
  • Scholars are also eligible to receive monthly incentivized gift cards.

Promise Scholars receive a range of benefits, including:

  • Financial: Waivers for college fees (including: enrollment fees, health fee, student rep fee, student union fee, student body fee)
  • Textbooks: Scholars will receive a textbook stipend each semester (including summer)
  • Incentives: If scholars complete monthly assignments such as attending transfer workshops or creating an educational plan, they can receive monthly $50 gift cards.
  • Academic and Counseling Supports: Scholars are paired with a dedicated Promise Counselor, receive priority registration for classes, and opportunities to connect with peer mentors and other campus resources to navigate the college experience.