NORTH COAST, Calif. – Mendocino College is proud to offer one year of free tuition to eligible students beginning in the 2019 fall semester.

Students who receive the incentive will be benefiting from what is called the Mendocino College Promise, and is thanks to Assembly Bill 19, which provides funding to California Community Colleges to accomplish district goals and waive fees for first-time students.

“It is critical that we spread the word about how affordable and attainable a college education can be,” said Vice President of Student Services Ulises Velasco. “The Mendocino College Promise program will eliminate the financial barriers facing some of our students and allow them to remain in our community as they seek a college degree.”

With current costs per unit of $46, the Mendocino College Promise Grant can save students up to $1,380 throughout the 2019-20 academic year.

The Mendocino College Promise is not based on financial need and is available to any first-time college student who completes 15 units in the fall 2019 semester and enrolls in 15 units again in the spring 2020 semester.

Once eligible students complete the fall semester and enroll in 15 units for the spring 2020 semester, they will receive a grant that covers their out-of-pocket enrollment expenses for both the fall 2019 and spring 2020 semesters.

“The Mendocino College Promise is an investment in our community and will support students as they pursue their academic goals,” said Mendocino College interim Superintendent/President Eileen Cichocki. “Studies show that students who take 15 units per semester have greater success in their classes and complete a degree and/or transfer in two years. The Mendocino College Promise is a win-win for our students and our community as a whole.”

“While this program will impact a small number of students at first, our intent is to partner with the Mendocino College Foundation and our community to grow this program,” said Vice President Velasco. “Our goal is for every student in our community to receive two years of free education at Mendocino College. We will continue working towards that goal and the Mendocino College Promise is a major first step in that direction.”

Those not currently enrolled at Mendocino College can apply now online at www.mendocino.edu for the fall semester which begins Aug. 19.

For more information about the Mendocino College Promise program, visit www.mendocino.edu/promise.