We are excited to help you begin your journey through college! As a Project Change student, you will find a supportive community of College of San Mateo faculty, staff, and students.
Who is Eligible?
CSM's Project Change is designed for students who:
Are court-involved youth in San Mateo County
Have or are attending any of the San Mateo Court and Community Schools
Have completed their high school diploma, GED, or are on track to graduate before summer begins
Are academically motivated high school juniors or seniors interested in concurrent enrollment
Are motivated to make the transition to college
Are interested in having support and guidance while starting the first year in college
What are the Benefits?
What the project provides each student:
Assistance with class registration and academic planning, financial aid, and other student support services beneficial to student's success
College readiness and academic preparedness for success in the student's first year of college-provided in the summer program students enrolled in Pathway to College
A personal mentor who is faculty/staff at the college; mentors provide individualized support and guidance for their first year in college
A project director who connects students personally to all services they are eligible for on campus, provides support and clarity on the college experience, and serves as a liaison between the student and all services they receive at the college
Opportunity to participate in nationally recognized learning communities: Umoja, Puente, and Mana. Students also have access to the many career and technical education programs at the College.
Enrollment in courses with professors who specifically provide support and guidance to Project Change students
Project Change events and activities on and off campus
A community of support made up of fellow first-year college students
Steps for Enrollment
Come join us at CSM and be part of Project Change! Here are the steps:
Attend a Project Change Orientation. Please contact Nicholas Jasso at jasson@smccd.edu to set up an orientation.
Once accepted to the program, you will be asked to complete our Commitment Contract each semester.
Once you've completed the first three steps, here’s what’s next:
Applicants will be invited for interview with Project Change staff for acceptance into the program. If accepted, students are invited to attend the incoming student orientation, which takes place every fall and spring semester
Check out what you receive as members of Project Change!
Free tuition for college
Money for books and school supplies for fall and spring semesters
A Clipper Card for public transportation: Caltrain, Samtrans, and BART
A personal mentor to assist you in your first year of college
A selection of counselors dedicated to working with the Project Change cohort
A team of faculty, staff, and administrators who support your college success. This includes a point person in each department who will help you navigate the college experience
Premier access to the Village at CSM, which provides a place to study and socialize on campus
Opportunities to attend conferences around the United States, college campus tours, and other exciting events/activities hosted by Project Change
