Enrollment has increased again for the San Diego Promise, the San Diego Community College District’s free college program. Approximately 3,100 San Diego Promise students are expected at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges when classes begin Aug. 19.

The San Diego Promise provides two years of free tuition and book grants to all first-time students who enroll full-time. SDCCD launched the program three years ago with just 186 students. Since then, it has increased exponentially and is now attracting students from across the state.

“The success of the San Diego Promise is good news for San Diego, especially our local workforce since Promise students tend to finish their academic programs faster and with less student debt,” said Lynn Neault, SDCCD vice chancellor of Student Services. “A remarkable 98% of these graduates will stay in San Diego after completing their academic programs.”

To further boost student completion, and thanks to the generosity of donors, the San Diego Promise will for the first time enroll a limited number of part-time students. These include past Promise students who cannot continue to attend full-time due to work or family commitments. Accommodations are also being made for more Continuing Education students, foster youth, veterans, and formerly incarcerated students who would otherwise not qualify for the program.

Neault says the SDCCD is able to expand the program as a result of increased state funding as well as continuing philanthropic support, which has exceeded $1 million in donations from local individuals and corporations.

“Dollar for dollar,” said Neault, “this is the best investment we can make in the future of our community.”

For more information about the program, visit sdccd.edu.