Overview

Get Your College Degree for Free!

The Promise Scholars Program is a degree and certificate completion program. Its focus is on supporting students through the completion of their post-secondary pathways. We support the completion via a number of program engagement requirements, providing progress reports, meeting with your Promise counselor monthly and engaging in additional Promise program support workshops.  The program provides you with multi-year tuition support, individualized counseling support, textbook vouchers, and food and transportation incentives through the completion of your degree or certificate here at College of San Mateo. 

What You Get

• Full tuition and fees paid for first and second years (some students may qualify for third-year funding)
• Up to $750 toward textbooks
• Dedicated personal counseling
• Assistance with a Student Education Plan
• Priority enrollment
• Counseling support to complete an AA/AS or certificate in 2 years
• Exclusive events and workshops 
• $50 monthly food and transportation incentive 

Who Can Apply

• Must be a first-time college student
• Must be a degree or certificate-seeking student
• Must be a California resident

How to Apply

1. Apply to CSM
2. Complete the FAFSA or Dream Act application
3. Apply for the Promise Scholars Program on WebSMART
4. Enroll in a minimum of 12 units
5. Attend Promise Scholars Program summer information session and orientation 

What We Require of You

• Maintain a full-time schedule (minimum 12 units in Fall, 12 units in Spring, summer sessions highly encouraged)
• Attend regular meetings with assigned Promise Scholars Program counselor
• Attend program-specific workshops related to academic, professional, and personal success
• Complete Student Education Plan (SEP) and career assessments
• Re-submit FAFSA or Dream Act Application in the Spring to stay eligible for the program the year(s) following