As Allan Hancock College Promise students gear up for their second tuition and fee-free semester, college officials are assessing the success of the program’s inaugural fall 2018 semester. More than 1,400 local students received The Hancock Promise – more recent graduates from local high schools than ever before.

In the Promise’s first semester, the college saw an increase of nearly 500 first-time high school graduates.

“The success of The Promise has exceeded our expectations with the number of local students who are participating in The Promise program,” said AHC Associate Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services Nohemy Ornelas. “We are so excited to be able to have a program like The Promise available to students in our community. For many, The Promise has opened up educational opportunities that may have not been an option.”

In order to be eligible for the Promise program, students must complete financial aid applications. This requirement helped spur half of the seniors at Pioneer Valley High School to complete the FAFSA.

Promise students enjoy the benefits of saving at least $1,200 over the course of a year, signing up for classes early with priority registration, setting an academic plan for success, and receiving personalized counseling, tutoring, and other support services.

To make sure the Hancock Promise benefits as many students as possible, AHC is building awareness early. Bulldog Bound is the first step on the path to The Hancock Promise and focuses on creating a college-going culture among fifth- through eighth- grade students and their families. Through outreach events, they are introduced to the college, the campus and the programs and services available.

The next step is the Path to Promise, which helps high school students feel prepared and ready to succeed in college. Students become more familiar with Hancock programs and services through workshops and outreach events at Allan Hancock College.

The Hancock Promise relies on the generosity of community leaders, local businesses, community foundations, organizations, and donors. In December 2017, the Allan Hancock College Foundation launched a $10 million endowment campaign designed to ensure, in perpetuity, that all qualifying students have the opportunity to attend college. To date, more than $3.5 million has been committed to The Hancock Promise from local Promise partners.

Read the news release from AHC here.