About the Promise

The Promise Program provides 2 years of free tuition to eligible first-time college students. We want to help students with the cost of college by covering the enrollment and health fees through the North Orange Promise Fee Waiver.

The program provides wrap around services to first-time and continuing Promise students. There is no income requirement. Review the benefits and requirements and contact us with any questions!

Our Events

Zoom Drop-in

Join anytime between the hours listed for general questions, registration help, and Promise eligibility concerns.

Build a Bowl: Week 2 Fuel

Visit the Promise Program to customize a cup-o-noodle bowl with your choice in toppings! 

September 2 & 3
anytime from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Campus Tours

 Request a campus tour to learn about programs, services and campus life from a student perspective.

North Orange Promise Benefits

Students at FC Night 2023

Waived Enrollment Fees

Enrollment fees are covered for each eligible semester (1 unit = $46)

12 x $46 = $552

Over $2,000 for 2 years!

Photo of the Student Health Center

Waived Health Fee

All Fullerton College students have a $26 health fee charged to their account per semester. Promise Students will have this fee covered! Review the Student Health Center services covered by this fee.

$26 x 4 semesters = $104 SAVED!

Team EPP Photo of staff behind light up marquee letters that read "PROMISE" in front of the Fullerton College Library.

Priority Registration

Students who complete their Promise steps early will be assigned a priority registration date. The Promise team is here to help you with the process too! Review Registration Resources and contact us with questions.

 

Celebrations & Support!

Connect with our Promise coaches and mentors for your semester check-in, to make appointments with Promise counselors, hang out in the Promise Center and join us at our Mixers and Celebrations! 

Promise Qualifications

1. First-Time College Student: Students who have not previously earned any college credit after high school graduation. Any college courses that were taken while in high school, as part of dual enrollment, are the only exception.

2. California Residency: California Residency is determined by Admissions and Records. This also applies to students who are eligible for non-resident tuition exemption through AB540 or SB68. For more information, refer to the Residency web page.

3. High School graduate or equivalent

4. Full-time enrollment (*12+ units) during Fall/Spring semesters:
Students must attempt 12 or more units to be eligible for the NOP Waiver. * If you are receiving DSS Services (Disability Support Services), you may be able to enroll in less than 12 units as determined by a DSS counselor.

Steps to Join Promise

New Student Checklist

Students who meet the qualifications above can use the New Student Checklist which lists all of the steps required for the Promise Program. Login to MyGateway to access your checklist and view your completed/missing steps.

Students must have all steps complete by the last day of their first semester to be eligible for Promise. The program cannot accept students after their first semester.

Connect with Promise

Hours, Location & Contact Info

Contact us with questions or concerns – we are here to support you during your first-year and beyond.

Virtual Services

Summer Zoom Drop-in

June 2 – August 21
Join anytime between the hours listed below for general questions, registration help, and Promise eligibility concerns.

Mondays – 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Closed Monday August 18 and September 1

Thursdays –  10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

This Zoom room is not monitored outside
of these day & times or on holidays

Promise Appointments

Schedule an appointment to discuss eligibility, locate resources, or answer any questions you may have through Starfish.

Promise Coaches & Mentors cannot create Education Plans. Make an appointment to meet a counselor through the Counseling Center.

Angel Bautista Tapia (he/him)

Fullerton College Class of 2024   |   AA-T Film, TV, Electronic Media, AA Television and Film, AA IDS: Social Sciences 

I wanted to attend Fullerton College as a home away from home in Williams, CA after my brother recommended it to me. Fullerton College is the perfect place to take that step into classes to see the paths of your future. I heard about the Promise Program as I enrolled, and it made me enjoy my education more as it was helpful for both my studies and my personal life. The peer mentors always checked up on me and kept me from quitting on myself and boosted my confidence.

I also was in the EOPS program, which was like a second family to me, and I also made good friends in the Health Club. This campus will ensure that you are going to make the best version of you!

Transferred to California State University, Fullerton for a Bachelor of Art in Cinema and Television. Graduate of Williams High School 

Hetvi Patel (she/her)

Fullerton College Class of 2024   |   Pre-Nursing and Psychology

The Promise Program made college feel a lot more accessible and took a huge weight off my shoulders financially. One thing I really want to highlight is the ability to make appointments with a mentor or coach. That support helped me stay on track, especially since college can feel so overwhelming compared to high school. A lot of students end up feeling lost, but having that personal guidance made a huge difference for me.  

Besides being a Promise student and eventually working for Promise, I was also in the Pre-Nursing Club and it was such a great experience. Get involved as much as possible — join clubs, attend events, and put yourself out there. The connections you make will truly help you in the long run, both academically and personally.

Transferred to Azusa Pacific University for a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse. Graduate of Chino Hills High School.

Ashly Hernandez (she/her)

Fullerton College Class of 2023  |  AA-T in Psychology 

Taking the community college route has been one of the best educational opportunities I have taken in my career. I took dual enrollment classes offered by Fullerton College, so I was familiar with the format. I also went on a fieldtrip that showcased their art programs, so I decided I wanted to attend.  The fact that it was free through Promise and gave us the option to transfer afterwards was what ultimately convinced me to make the choice. The mentors from the Promise Program are wonderful. They always cared about my wellbeing, heard my concerns and offered their help. 

My time at Fullerton College did not have many events due to COVID, however I’ll never forget my Human Services class. We had many guest speakers, and one was a BCBA who promoted her job at Behavior Frontiers. After class, I applied to the job and got accepted, which was the first real job I got related to a field I wanted to get into. It taught me a lot about being an ABA therapist and gave me real experience working with autistic children, opening many doors for me. 

Transferred to Cal State Fullerton for a Bachelors in Psychology, Health & Wellness Track. Graduate from the Anaheim Unified High School District 

Yasmeen Cabrer (any pronouns)

Fullerton College Class of 2024AS in Psychology 

In high school, I wasn’t sure if I was going to go to college in the first place. However, I learned about Fullerton College from an advocate at my high school and we decided to connect. From there she told me the entire process on how I would be able to transfer from Fullerton Union High School to Fullerton College and told me all about the Promise Program.  

The Promise Program helped me through my first 2 years of college and opened so many opportunities for me. I was also in the GSA Club and worked as a student assistant at the Cadena Cultural Center, which provided me with resources to help further my education as well as build a lot of friendships.  

If you want to be connected to a community and find new opportunities, this school has so much to offer. All you have to do is make connections with peers and faculty to find what you need.

Transferred to California State University, Fullerton for a bachelor’s in psychology and kinesiology. Graduate of Fullerton Union High School.