The College of Alameda Promise Program includes our promise services and programming for Peralta (Oakland) Promise and Alameda Promise.
The College of Alameda Promise Program provides free tuition for a year, book stipends, priority registration, and dedicated counseling for eligible students. The program is open to first-time, full-time college students who seek to complete a certificate, degree, and/or plan to transfer to a four-year university.
Mission & Goals
The College of Alameda Promise Program aims to:
- Increase the percentage of high school graduates entering college in the city of Alameda and Oakland
- Strengthen students’ access to career pathways and preparation to join the workforce in Alameda and surrounding areas
- Deepen the connection between College of Alameda and its home community
Interested applicants must:
- Follow the New Students Steps to Success
- First-time college student
- Enroll in 12 units per semester (fall and spring) at COA
- Graduate from Alameda Unified School District
- Graduate from Oakland Unified School District
- Submit a FAFSA or Cal Dream Act application and include COA (006720)
- Attend a Promise Orientation
- Free Tuition for 1 Year
- Priority Registration
- Book Stipend (Amount Varies)
- Designated Counseling
Step 1
Complete the application for College of Alameda College Promise program
Step 2
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CoA’s school code is 006720)
Step 3
Complete CoA Promise Program Application by August 10th
Step 4
Complete the required Student Support Services (orientation, placement, counseling). Further details of this step will be provided to you after you complete the OpenCCC application.
Are there exceptions to the 12 units for students?
If you are enrolled in Student Accessibility Services (SAS), formerly known as DSP&S, you will need to have an exception from a SAS professional to take less than the mandatory 12 units.
What if I’m not eligible to submit FAFSA or Cal Dream Act application. Can I still join the College of Alameda College Promise Program?
Eligibility is not required. However, you must fill out the FAFSA and/or CA Dream Act application to begin the process.
Is there a deadline to apply?
The application period for the Fall 2021 cohort will close Saturday September 4, 2021.
I graduated from high school a couple years ago and never attended college. Am I eligible for College Promise?
No. College Promise is high school graduates enrolling in COA in the fall after their high school graduation.
I graduated from a Charter high school. Am I eligible?
The COA College Promise currently only serves Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) and Oakland Unified School District (OUSD).
Im enrolled in 15 units. Will the College Promise Program cover all units or just 12 units?
Once accepted as a COA College Promise student, all units will be covered.
I have a total of 12 units in the Peralta Community College District. How many units do I need to enroll in at the College of Alameda to be eligible for the College Promise program?
Students need to be enrolled full time (12 units) at the College of Alameda to be eligible for the COA College Promise Program.