Navigating the Cypress College Promise Program: A Comprehensive Guide

The Cypress College Promise Program, including the Charger Experience Program (CEP) and the North Orange Promise program, offers eligible students the opportunity to pursue higher education with significantly reduced or waived tuition fees. This article provides a detailed overview of the programs, their eligibility requirements, benefits, and the steps involved in participating.

Understanding the Charger Experience Program (CEP)

The Charger Experience Program (CEP) at Cypress College is designed to provide first-time college students with two years of tuition-free education. This opt-in program utilizes financial aid, the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), or AB-19 funding to cover tuition costs.

Eligibility for CEP

To be eligible for CEP, students must meet the following criteria:

Be a first-time college student with no prior course credits from other colleges, universities, or trade schools. (This excludes students with dual enrollment credits earned during high school).
Enroll in a minimum of 12 units each semester. (Students eligible for unit reduction through Disability Support Services (DSS) may be able to enroll in less than 12 units).
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

CEP Coverage

CEP covers course tuition and the health fee for the fall and spring semesters during the first two years at Cypress College, provided the student continues to meet the eligibility requirements. However, CEP does not cover tuition or the health fee for summer or winter intersessions.

Participation Requirements for CEP

First-Year Charger Experience Students:

Complete the CEP orientation.
Meet with a Charger Experience Counselor.
Enroll in 12 or more units in the first semester.
Meet with a Charger Experience Counselor once a semester.
Attend two Charger Experience hosted events each semester.
Complete two Counseling courses by the end of the year.
Attempt your English, Math, and two Counseling courses before the end of your first year at Cypress College unless otherwise approved by a Charger Experience Counselor.
Enroll in the required courses as prescribed by a Charger Experience Counselor to qualify for CEP. There are a few exceptions for certain certificates that do not require Math or English.

Second-Year Charger Experience Students:

Enroll in 12 or more units in the fall and spring semesters.
Meet with a Charger Experience Counselor once a semester.
Attend two Charger Experience hosted events each semester.
Complete a new Financial Aid application for the second academic year at Cypress College.

California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG), formerly known as the Board of Governor’s (BOG) Fee Waiver, is a state-sponsored program that waives enrollment fees for eligible California residents attending California Community Colleges. The CCPG is only available at California Community Colleges. CCPG applicants do not have to be enrolled in a minimum number of units. The CCPG pays for enrollment fees only. Students are responsible for all other fees that apply (health fee, course material fees, parking permit, student ID, etc.).

Read also: Navigating MyGateway

Applying for the CCPG

To apply for the CCPG, students must complete the application, which is accessible through myGateway. Students who submit a CCPG application may also need to submit proof of prior year income, such as 1040 Federal tax return and W2s.

CCPG Eligibility Methods

There are several methods for determining CCPG eligibility:

Method A: For students on public assistance programs such as TANF/CalWORKs, SSI/SSP, SSAI, SSAS, or General Assistance. Certification and documentation are required to verify eligibility.
Method B: For low-income students whose PPY (prior prior year) income was within qualifying income guidelines. Students apply for this method through myGateway.
Method C: Awarded to students who applied through the FAFSA or Dream Act application and demonstrate a financial need of $1,104 or more.
Method D: For students under the age of 25 who can verify that they have been without residence (homeless) in the last 24 months.
Method F: For Dependents of Disabled or Deceased California Veterans or National Guard, recipients and children of recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, or dependents of victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. Certification and documentation are required to verify eligibility.

Maintaining CCPG Eligibility

CCPG recipients are required to meet Academic and Progress Standards to continue to receive the CCPG. These standards are separate from the eligibility criteria for Federal Student Aid, Cal Grant, and Enrollment Priority. To maintain eligibility, students must:

Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Complete more than 50% of attempted coursework.

If these standards are not met for two consecutive semesters, students will lose their CCPG eligibility. The Financial Aid Office will send notifications to students through myGateway 30 days after the end of the semester if the CCPG standards are not met. The notification will state the student’s status as to whether they are on Academic and/or Progress Probation (based on the cumulative units completed).

Appealing CCPG Loss of Eligibility

Students who lose their CCPG eligibility can appeal. Students will receive notifications through myGateway which will include the timeframe of when a student can appeal along with the appeal instructions. Students will be able to complete the appeal online through cypresscollege.studentforms.com. Documentation must be provided as support of your circumstances. Appeals not turned in correctly will have a delay in processing.

The North Orange Promise Program

The North Orange Promise program, offered by the North Orange County Community College District, provides first-time, full-time students with two years of free tuition (enrollment fees) and student health fees covered. Local residents can apply and attend Cypress College, Fullerton College, or North Orange Continuing Education to achieve degrees, certifications, or 4-year university transfer goals.

Eligibility for the North Orange Promise Program

To participate in the North Orange Promise program, students must meet the following requirements:

Be a first-time college student: Applicants should not have previously earned college credit at any institution AFTER high school graduation. College courses that were taken while in high school, as part of a dual enrollment program, are the only exception.
Be a full-time college student: New students are required to maintain 12 or more units each semester and earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater.
Be a high school graduate: Students must submit proof of graduation including transcripts from high school, North Orange Continuing Education, or an equivalent institution.
Complete Financial Aid application: There’s no income requirement for the Promise, but applicants are required to apply for financial aid. The Promise will cover any remaining costs. Financial aid applications must be filed both years of participation. Students may submit either a Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act Application (CDAA).
Meet residency requirements: This program is offered for students who meet the California residency requirements or are eligible for exception through the AB 540 application.

Continuing in the North Orange Promise Program

Students continuing in the program for their second year should:

Have continual enrollment (no semester breaks). This applies to Fall and Spring semesters not Summer or Winter.
Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or greater.
Continue sustaining a full-time course load of 12 units or greater each semester.
Complete the required financial aid application for the new award year.
Prospective students who have completed their first year of college as Promise students at another California Community College are eligible to apply and receive second year tuition at Cypress College or Fullerton College.

Benefits of the North Orange Promise Program

In addition to receiving grant awards for enrollment and health fees, North Orange Promise Scholars are also eligible to receive a variety of student support services and academic assistance towards pursuing their education and career goals. This includes comprehensive counseling, tutoring services, student organizations centered around cultural identities and professional pathways, supplemental programs and scholarships for veterans, foster youth, disabled students, low-income families and more.

Additional Financial Aid Opportunities at Cypress College

Cypress College offers various additional financial aid programs to support students in their educational pursuits.

Read also: Navigating Cypress College Courses

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need. The U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula established by Congress, which evaluates the financial information reported on the FAFSA. Students may receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 full-time terms, equivalent to roughly six years.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. However, SEOG funding is not guaranteed, even for eligible students, due to limited resources. The annual award amount varies based on available funding each academic year.

Educational Loans

An educational loan is a form of financial aid that must be repaid, with interest. The Cypress College Financial Aid Office strongly discourages students to borrow loans without first discussing their options with a Financial Aid Technician.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) provides opportunities to students who have financial need and want to earn a part of their educational expenses through employment. Students may work up to 6 semesters. All Work-Study students are paid at a rate consistent with current student assistant wages established by the District and based upon the level of skills required to perform the job (upon approval by the Financial Aid Office).

Cal Grants

Cal Grants are offered by the State of California and administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Like Pell Grants, Cal Grants do not have to be repaid. Cal Grants are available for undergraduate students who are enrolled in at least six units per semester and who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree.

There are three main types of Cal Grants:

Cal Grant A: Designed for students transferring to a four-year college/university in California.
Cal Grant B: Designed for financially needy students who meet the grade point average and family income asset requirements as determined by the CSAC.
Cal Grant C: Designed for two-year vocational students. This grant is available for up to two years.

Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

The Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) is a state-funded grant for eligible Cal Grant B and C students. To qualify, students must be enrolled full time (12+ units) by the term’s freeze date. DSS students may qualify with a reduced unit load if funding allows. Students must be in a financial aid eligible major, taking only courses required for their program, and meeting SAP requirements.

Chafee Grant

The Chafee Grant is available for former foster youth students who were in foster care between the ages of 16-18 years old. Eligible students must submit a one-time Chafee Grant application at chafee.csac.ca.gov and submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act application. Students must claim this award before you reach your 26th birthday as of July 1 of the award year.

Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is offered by the California Student Aid Commission and provides Cypress College students in the Funeral Service Bachelor of Science Degree with a scholarship. This scholarship is treated the same way as a grant and is applied to a student’s financial aid package as the last award.

Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) Program

The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) encourages California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students with a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $3,000 per academic year (up to $1,500 per semester or up to $1,000 per quarter) to 2,500 eligible students. The grant will be available to the student for up to 8 semesters or up to 12 quarters while they have an active Cal Grant B award.

Additional Support Programs at Cypress College

Cypress College offers several support programs designed to assist students with various needs.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is a state and college funded program designed to assist students with economic, linguistic, and educational challenges enroll and succeed in higher education.

Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)

The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program is integrated with the EOPS program. CARE offers additional supportive services to EOPS students who are single parents receiving public assistance in order to support their success.

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)

The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program provides services to students who are receiving Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF).

Veterans Affairs

The VRC and CCVO are committed to ensuring that military and veteran students successfully make the transition from the military environment to campus life, and are assisted in their progress toward completing their academic degree. The VRC and CCVO also provide opportunities for peer-to-peer support for academics and wellness as well as camaraderie, mentoring, and social networking through active participation in campus and local communities.

Grads to Be

The Grads to Be Program at Cypress College is a safe space with supportive staff aimed at providing a variety of services and resources for undocumented students at Cypress College.

CalFresh

CalFresh is a California financial aid program that awards up to $250 a month to helps students buy food and eat healthier. It takes just a couple of minutes to check your eligibility and apply. You’ll get a call from CalFresh in a couple of days to verify your situation.

AmeriCorps

The mission of AmeriCorps is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. The time commitment varies depending on program. Generally, AmeriCorps service commitments range from three months to one year and have full time and part-time opportunities. The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is offered to individuals who complete a term of service and can be used to pay for a range of educational expenses, like repaying qualified student loans or future tuition payments.

Guardian Scholars Program

This program is tailored to the needs of current and former foster youth and is designed to help you be successful both personally and academically.

Key Financial Aid Application Tips and Information

Apply Early: You should apply as soon as possible once the application opens on October 1 of the prior academic year that you will attend.
Remember Deadlines: The priority deadline for financial aid is March 2 each year, which is the Cal Grant priority deadline. However, you may continue to apply for Federal Aid at Cypress College through the end of the academic year provided you are still enrolled.
Check Your Financial Aid Status: You can check your financial aid status in myGateway.
Understand Disbursement Schedules: Each semester Financial Aid has a disbursement schedule.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): All students must maintain complete at least 67% of all units enrolled and attempted. Students who are disqualified due to SAP are encouraged to submit an SAP appeal.
Professional Judgement Appeal: Students may submit a Professional Judgement Appeal to evaluate any special circumstances that may have impacted the amount or type of aid a student may be eligible to receive.

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