San Diego Promise

Program Eligibility Requirements 

• First-time to college student, or
• Returning SDCCD students who have not enrolled in courses for three or more semesters (not including summer)
• You may also qualify for the Promise Program if you identify with one of the following groups: 
  • Foster Youth Student 
  • Veteran of U.S. Armed Forces 
  • Formerly Incarcerated Student 
  • Undocumented Student
  • San Diego College of Continuing Education Student 
• High school graduate* (H.S. Diploma or GED)
• Must be a California Resident or AB 540 eligible 
• Spring Applicants must complete a 2023-20234 financial aid application (FAFSA or CA Dream Act). 
• Must be prepared to enroll in a minimum of 12 units each semester (Does not apply to students with DSPS accommodation on file).

*Students who completed college courses while in high school are eligible. 

To find out if you may qualify to participate in the San Diego Promise, please contact us via email us at sdpromisecity@sdccd.edu or call us at 619.388.3998 or 619.800.3464.

How to Maintain Your Eligibility in the Promise Program

• First Year students must attend a Virtual Promise orientation
• First Year students must sign a Promise contract* online to secure a spot in the program
• Enroll in at least 12 units by the semester's add/drop deadline
• Submit a financial aid application (FAFSA or CADAA) every year you are in the program and make sure it is on file with San Diego City College 

Note: Students who are eligible to participate in the San Diego Promise program will receive an email invitation to electronically sign a Promise contract. To secure a spot in the program, you must sign and submit your Promise contract by the contract deadline.

• Attend an Engagement Activity & Submit a Progress Report during the Fall & Spring semesters
• Maintain a 2.0 college GPA 
• Meet with a counselor each semester 
• Complete a Comprehensive Education Plan by the end of your first year

San Diego Promise Application Steps

To stay on track with the application process, please reference the Promise checklist and complete the steps below:

Step 1: SDCCD Admissions Application

Interested students must first complete an Admissions application for San Diego City College at sdccd.edu/apply. 

Step 2: Financial Aid Application 

Spring 2024 Applicants: Complete a 2023-2024 financial aid application (FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov or the CA Dream Act at dream.csac.ca.gov). Students must submit a financial aid application as soon as possible using the school code for the college they will be attending. 

San Diego City College School Code for FAFSA or CA Dream Act applications: 

• 001273 

Step 3: Promise Application

Spring 2024 Applicants: The Promise Application will open November 6, 2023.

Students must only submit one Promise application. Submitting duplicate applications may delay the processing time of their application.

Click Here to APPLY NOW!

Note: The City College Promise Program will be communicating with students primarily through the email address provided on their SDCCD admissions application.

In addition, all email communication will be available to view via the Message Center in students' mySDCCD portal. Any pending items related to their Promise application will appear on their To-Do-List in their mySDCCD portal.

How to access the message center (step-by-step tutorial).

How to view the To-Do-List items (step-by-step tutorial).

Step 4: Complete City College New Student Online Orientation and Abbreviated Education Plan 

Complete a new student online orientation and meet with a college counselor to develop an Abbreviated Education Plan (the classes you'll take your first semester at City College).   

• NEW STUDENTS must complete the New Student Education Planning workshop on Canvas.  Click here to access the workshop. 

Promise students must also meet with a college counselor during their first academic year in college to create a Comprehensive Education Plan (your roadmap to completing your educational goals).

Questions about completing the New Student Online Orientation and Education Plan, contact the City Promise Office for support at 619.388.3998 or 619.800-3464.

Step 5: Promise Contract and Promise Orientation 

Students must sign a Promise contract online and attend a City College Promise orientation. In-person and virtual orientations are offered. Please contact the Promise Office if you are having trouble signing your contract.

Note: Students who are eligible to participate in the San Diego Promise Program will receive an email invitation to electronically sign a Promise contract to secure their spot in the program. Be sure to sign and submit your Promise contract.

Step 6: Register for Classes 

Students must register for a minimum of 12 units by the District Promise add/drop deadline.*

*Students that do no register in a minimum of 12 units by this deadline will be dismissed from the program, with the exception of students with an appeal or DSPS academic accommodation on file with the Promise District Office.

**Information regarding the Promise contract will ONLY be provided to students that meet the program eligibility requirements. As program eligibility is determined, information regarding the Promise Contract will be sent to students via email. 

 

	Rachel Rojas, Student Services Technician Phone: 619-388-3998                Email: rrojas@sdccd.edu
	Crystal Rodriguez, Program Counselor To schedule an appointment call 619-388-3998

 

	Saedy McCoy, Peer Mentor Phone Number: 619-388-3998 Email: smccoy@sdccd.edu
	Rosie Covarrubias, Peer Mentor  Phone Number: 619-388.3998 Text: 619. 800.3464 Email: rcovarrubias@sdccd.edu

 

 

On-site & Remote Hours

• Monday - Wednesday: 8:30am-5:00pm
• Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Friday: 8:00 am-1:00 pm

Office Numbers:

Call: (619) 388-3998 

Google Voice (Call/Text):  (619) 800-3464

City College Promise Communication Platforms

• Promise students, be sure to accept your invitation to join the City College Promise Canvas shell.
• Follow us on social media:
  • Instagram: @sdpromisecity
  • Facebook: sdpromisecity
• We also use Signal Vine to send text messages to students.

Promise Peer Mentor Support 

Our San Diego Promise Peer Mentors are HERE FOR YOU! They can meet with you in-person or virutally via Zoom. Their goal is to help you navigate through your educational journey at San Diego City College!

They can assist you with information regarding the Promise application, program status, requirements, and eligibility.

They can also assist you with general questions, navigating your MySDCCD portal, Canvas, and registration (if you've already met with a counselor to create your Ed. Plan). 

Please Call 619.388.3998 OR Text 619.800.3464 to connect with a Promise Peer Mentor.