Q: When does the Skyline College Promise Scholars Program Application open? 

A:  The application opens every fall and spring for students interested in starting the program during the following semester. All students hoping to enter into the program should apply as early as possible. Typically for students expected to start in Fall, the application opens in February, every year, and selections typically happen later in the spring, beginning in April. The application typically closes right before the start of the fall semester, or sooner, if the program fills completely. 

The Fall Promise Scholars Program (PSP) Cohort Application and Selection Timeline traditionally operates as follows:

February: Applications opens on Websmart (see next question for details on how to apply)

March 15th: 1st Round of Selection. All PSP applicants who applied between February 1st and March 15th, with a complete FAFSA/Dream Act application on file with Skyline College will be considered in our first round of selection. Students will incomplete financial aid applications will not be considered for selection.  Students will be notified about their selection status by end of March. 

April 15th: 2nd Round of Selection. All PSP applicants who applied after April 15th and before May 15th, as well as previous applicants who had incomplete files on April 15th, will be considered in this round. Students will be notified about their selection status by May 25th. 

May 15th: 3rd Round of Selection. Same process as above. Students will be notified by end of May. 

June 15th: 4th Round of Selection. Same process as above. Students will be notified by end of June. 

July 15th: 5th Round of Selection. After July 15th, the Promise Scholars Program will consider applications on a rolling basis, if space is or becomes available throughout the summer.

The application portal will close in late August, but it is likely that available seats in the program will fill-up prior to this. We encourage all interested students to apply early, and triple-check that their financial aid application is complete, and that Skyline College's Financial Aid Office has everything they need to determine your financial aid award/eligibility.

*NOTE: PSP receives more applicants than available spots each year. In line with Skyline College's equity values, the Promise Scholars Program prioritizes low-income students, homeless students, foster students, as well as first-generation college students for our limited program spots. While we do not have a cap or maximum household income, a large proportion of students admitted to the program tend to be eligible for need-based financial aid. If you have further questions about our equity prioritizations, please reach out to Ellen Murray, Skyline College's Promise Scholars Program Director at murraye@smccd.edu. 

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Q: How do I apply for the Skyline College Promise Scholars Program?

A: In order to apply for the Promise Scholars Program (PSP) at Skyline College you must complete the following steps:

    • STEP 1: Enroll at Skyline College
    • STEP 2: Submit your Promise Scholars Scholarship Application (accessed via your WebSMART account Home Page)
      • The Promise Scholars Program application can be found in your WebSMART "Student" tab under the label "District Promise Application." It is a simple application process, which primarily helps the college to determine student eligibility, and should take no more than a couple of minutes to fill out.  
    • STEP 3: Complete FAFSA or DREAM Act Application.
      • Please note that you will not be accepted into the program until our Office of Financial Aid verifies that you have completed all parts of your FAFSA or Dream Application. This step is a requirement of the program and must be completed prior to onboarding into the program. We highly encourage students to complete their financial aid applications as soon as possible in order to be considered for the program.
    • STEP 4: Meet with the Promise Scholars Program Team and Finalize Your Spot.
      • After you complete and submit your Promise Scholars Program application, you will receive an email to your SMCCD or personal email account which will outline all the necessary steps and actions you will need to take in order to finalize your acceptance into the program. This will include an assessment, meeting with a Promise Scholars Program counselor, and attending an orientation.
    • STEP 5:  Complete all summer onboarding activities, including full-time registration, and the Promise Scholars Summer Institute. 

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Q: Is the FAFSA/California Dream Act Application a requirement for the Skyline College Promise Scholars Program?

A: Yes. You need to submit a current FAFSA/California Dream Act Application and list Skyline College (School Code: 007713) on the application. If you are having trouble completing your application, or have questions, please reach out to our Financial Aid Office. You can also visit the office of Financial Aid at Skyline College, Located in Building 19, Room 106.

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Q: How do I know if I qualify to apply for the Skyline College Promise Scholars Program?

A: The Promise Scholars Program has a few eligibility parameters, which include:

  • Students must be attending college for the first time. Eligible students for the Fall cohort include students who started at Skyline College in the previous Spring semester, or who will enroll at Skyline College for the first time in the summer or fall of their respective year.
  • Students must be seeking to earn a degree or a certificate from Skyline College.  This program is for degree or certificate-seeking students only.  If you are planning to take a few courses for a semester and then transfer without earning a degree or certificate, this program is not going to be the right fit for you.  If you are taking classes for recreation and/or part-time, this program is also not going to be the right fit for you.  
  • Students must be able to commit to enrolling full-time (12 units or more each semester, with summer sessions highly encouraged)
  • Students must be a resident of California or have attended a California state high school, GED, or adult continuation program. 
  • Students who earned concurrent or dual enrollment units while in high school are eligible to apply.  Students who participate in the Middle College program are also eligible to apply.  

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Q: How long does the Skyline College Promise Scholars Program last?

A: The Promise Scholars Program will provide students who are accepted into the program with financial support, academic support, and structured guidance for up to three full years. In order to remain in good standing in the program, students must:

  • Enroll full-time (minimum 12 units) every semester.  Summer sessions are also highly encouraged, and students who do not earn a minimum of 30 units in their first two semesters (fall and spring) will be required to sign up for units in the summer session.  

  • Maintain academic progress, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and a completion rate of above 50% (students with extenuating circumstances, especially in the first semester, may be able to remain in the program if they do not meet these parameters)

  • Regularly engage and participate in program requirements, such as regular counseling appointments and counseling group sessions.
  • Declare a major by the start of their second semester.

  • Complete a comprehensive Student Educational Plan (SEP) by the start of their second semester.

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Q: What are the additional requirements in order to keep my scholarship?

A: On top of the main responsibilities to maintain your scholarship recipient status, all Promise Scholars are required to meet with their designated Skyline Promise Scholars Program Counselor, and participate in Promise Scholars Program-approved events/workshops during their time in the program. The number and frequency of these appointments and events will be determined by the Promise Scholars Program counselor, and students will receive an individualized requirement summary at the start of each semester.  

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Q: What are the benefits from receiving the Skyline College Promise Scholars Program?

A: Promise Scholars receive a whole range of benefits, including:

  • Financial: Waivers for college fees (including enrollment fees, health fee, student rep fee, student union fee, and student body fee)

  • Textbooks Vouchers: Scholars will receive vouchers for the Skyline College bookstore to offset textbook costs for two full years, and additional funding, if necessary for their third year.

  • Transportation: Scholars will receive monthly funds to offset transportation costs (choice of a Clipper Card, gas card, or Uber card each month), provided that they fulfill their monthly counseling requirements for the program. 

  • Academic and Counseling Supports: Scholars are paired with a dedicated Promise Counselor, receive priority registration for classes, tutoring and additional instruction support, and opportunities to connect with peer mentors to navigate the college experience.

  • Workshops: Scholars attend workshops up to once a month. The workshops focus on various themes such as connecting with other students on campus, getting to know more about college, examining financial literacy, and more!

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Q: I am confused about what classes I need to take in order to graduate and/or transfer. Who can I talk to?

A: One of the most amazing benefits of the Skyline College Promise Scholars Program is that every student has complete access to a Skyline College Promise Scholars Program Counselor! Your Counselor is a master’s level trained academic, career, and personal counselor who can assist students in:

  • Support you in navigating and transitioning into Skyline College
  • Help you create a comprehensive education plan that respects your individual goals and vision
  • Picking out appropriate classes for the semester
  • Breakdown and explain the different requirements needed to transfer or receive an Associates degree

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Q: Do I have to attend an orientation or other summer events in order to be part of the Promise Scholars Program?

A: All incoming, first semester, Skyline students must attend a New Student Orientation before enrolling in the Fall semester and beginning the Skyline College Promise Scholars Program. Promise Scholars will be required to attend a Promise Scholars Summer Institute to review program expectations, policies, and information prior to beginning the fall semester. New Scholars should check their email regularly for updates regarding Promise Scholars orientation and required summer events. 

The Promise Scholars Summer Institute is a requirement for the program. Accepted students must make sure to clear their schedules for all dates of the institute. The Institute is typically held the week prior to the start of the Fall semester, but accepted students will receive specific dates during initial onboarding. 

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Q: What will happen to my scholarship if I have to withdraw from a class halfway through the semester and will no longer be full-time?

A: Life happens and having balance in order to be and feel successful is very important. If there is a need to withdraw from a course, Scholars first meet with their Promise Scholars Program Counselor in order to assess the situation and complete the necessary forms and procedures.

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