CALIFORNIA—California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation for the 2019-2020 state budget on Tuesday, August 27, which provides two years of free college tuition for 33,000 full-time students. The $42.6 million investment is an expansion of California Promise Program (CPP).

“This is real help for students trying to improve their lives and build their future,” said Governor Newsom. “No one can argue with the fact that the full cost of attending institutions of higher learning is still far too high – both in California and across the country. But by offering two years of community college tuition-free, California is taking a meaningful step toward chipping away at the cost of higher learning for students and their families.”

Eligibility into the CCP formerly known as The Governors Board Fee Waiver, is limited to residents in California. Students interested in the program must agree to program requirements including: signing a pledge to complete a A.A. degree that transfers in two years to a Bachelor, B.A. degree at a California State University (CSU) campus, complete 30 semester/quarter units satisfactory in one academic year, priority registration, and routine academic advisement for student success.

CPP also assists low income students with tuition/fee free community college. The Cal Grant program supports significant need-based financial aid to California residents.

California Community Colleges (CCCs) are the largest eduction system for higher education in the nation, serving roughly 2.1 million students. CCCs provide basic skills, career education and undergraduate transfer education with 73 districts, 115 colleges and 78 educational centers. In 2017-2018, community colleges awarded more than 96,000 certificates and 160,000 degrees, according to date provide on its website.

For more information regarding the initiative visit gov.ca.gov or visit calstate.edu.