How else does Sierra Promise help with my transition to college?
Sierra Promise aims to connect eligible students to programs and services that can help with financial aid, registration support, counseling, and cultural identity! There are several programs we work especially close with to identify and connect historically underrepresented students.
Who is eligible for Sierra Promise?
All students who attend one of our district partner high schools are initially eligible. Once a student completes an application for admission to the college, they will receive an invitation in their mySierra account to “Become a Promise Scholar.”
What does it mean to “Become a Promise Scholar?”
Students who commit to Sierra Promise get additional services and support. These include:
- Priority registration for your first semester, an education and career plan, assistance with financial aid/scholarships
- Referrals to support and success programs such as Guardian Scholars, Puente, EOPS, etc.
- Referrals to additional career and academic resources
- Workshops and events to help with registration and orientation
In return, Promise Scholars commit to the following:
- Complete the FAFSA or Dream application
- Participate in registration and orientation events sponsored by Sierra Promise
- Enroll in 30 or more units within your first year (summer, fall, spring)
Do Promise Scholars also get their tuition paid for?
Most likely! If you complete your end of the Sierra Promise commitment and are a California resident, you will be eligible to have your first two years of tuition covered through either the California College Promise Grant (need-based) or Two Years Free, also known as the AB2 State Promise Grant (non-need-based).
Can you tell me more about the commitment to enroll in 30 or more units within my first year?
Happy to! First, the majority of our high school seniors graduate in June, so we define the first year as summer, fall, spring. Second, there’s a ton of research and data that shows that students who complete 30 units within that first year are more likely to:
- Spend less in tuition and other school expenses
- Borrow less in student loans so they have less education debt
- Be potentially eligible for more grants and scholarships
- Complete their goal
- Complete their goal faster
- Hit the job market sooner to earn money
So by enrolling and completing 30 units in your first year, we are helping you spend less, borrow less, finish faster, and earn money sooner.
What do Enrollment Specialists do?
Enrollment specialists visit all our district high schools regularly throughout the fall and spring semesters to provide assistance with the following:
- Applications for admissions, financial aid, and support programs
- Career exploration
- Class registration support
- Connect students to their transitions counselor
- Connect students to additional programs and services
What is a Transitions Counselor?
A transitions counselor is usually a full-time high school counselor who has been trained to be a part-time Sierra College counselor as well. They have hours at the high school sites to meet with students to discuss career goals and academic interest areas in order to plan the first three semesters of classes for each student.
What is Sierra Promise Plus?
Sierra Promise aims to connect all Promise students to programs and services that can help them once they start their first semester. There are a few programs we work especially close with to identify and connect historically underrepresented students.
How does Sierra Promise benefit the community?
Several ways! Having the enrollment specialists and transitions counselors available in the high schools allows students to more easily access college information and resources. It also allows enrollment specialists to have more access to students who may not be thinking of college and gives us the chance to inform them about Two Years Free, academic and financial support, transfer opportunities, and short-term programs to start a career. All of these options contribute to a better-educated and better paid local workforce.
