Free College Tuition? Learn More at State Center’s ‘Extreme Registration’

If you’re a first-time, full-time community college student who doesn’t qualify for California’s tuition waiver for low-income students, you could still get some help with tuition or other college costs.

State Center Community College District employees can supply information about how to get money from the California College Promise program and other financial aid sources at “Extreme Registration” today and Saturday.

Employees can help students plan their class schedule and complete registration for the fall semester, which starts Aug. 12. Students also can buy their student ID, purchase a parking permit and talk to staff from admissions, counseling, financial aid, and business services.

‘Extreme Registration’ starts Friday

“Extreme Registration” will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fresno City College Library, Reedley College Student Center, Clovis Community College Academic Center Building Room 276, Madera Community College Center TM 11, and the Oakhurst Community College Center Main Office.

The California College Promise program, also known as AB 19, was signed into law in 2017. The 2018-19 state budget allocated $46 million. The original intent was to use the funds to cover the $46 per-unit cost of tuition but the bill was later amended to include other college costs. The California College Promise granted State Center $25.6 million.

“We are using the AB 19 and CVP (Central Valley Promise) funds to pay for the enrollment fee, health fee, and the Associated Student Government fee,” district spokeswoman Lucy Ruiz said. “Cash stipends have also been dispensed to students to assist with educational expenses.”

Ruiz said she did not have specific information about how much money State Center has gotten through the Central Valley Promise program. She said that about 65% to 70% of State Center students receive some form of financial assistance.