PSP is accepting applications for our Spring 2025 Promise Scholars Program Cohort. Scroll down further for detailed instructions on how to apply to the program.

The Promise Scholars Program (PSP) is a completion program that offers a variety of resources and support to keep Scholars on track to earn a degree or certificate within 2-to-3 years.

We offer comprehensive counseling, academic, and financial support to all scholars in the program, for up to three full years.


Program Eligibility:

PSP is open to all prospective students who are:

  • Able to commit to full-time study (12 units or more, per semester) for the duration of the program
  • a first-time college student, or a student who has not earned a college degree elsewhere, and who has earned 15 units or less at SMCCCD (dual-enrollment units and Middle College units are not included in this limit)
  • seeking a degree or certificate from Skyline College
  • a resident of California, or have attended a California state high school, GED, or adult continuation program

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Program Expectations:

Scholars in the Promise Scholars Program must agree to:

  • Enroll full-time each semester (minimum 12 units) for the duration of the program (summer session enrollment highly encouraged, and may be required for students who do not complete all coursework taken in their fall and spring semesters)
  • Maintain academic progress and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • Declare a major within their first year at Skyline College
  • Complete a comprehensive Student Educational Plan (SEP) in their first year at Skyline College.
  • Regularly meet with their dedicated Promise Scholar Program counselor, based on semesterly requirements
  • Regularly participate in Promise Scholars Program workshops, tutoring, and activities, as assigned
  • Complete their financial aid application, annually

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Program Benefits:

  • Financial Support: Fee waivers (tuition), book vouchers (up to $750 annually), and incentives
  • Personalized Counseling: Dedicated counselors who work very closely with students to support their academic, transfer, career and personal goals. Click here to meet our team. 
  • Community Events and Workshops: Group events and workshops to help students navigate our college system, prepare for their next step after Skyline, and provide a friendly “home” on campus.
  • Academic Support: priority enrollment every semester and blocked courses to ensure students have access to their preferred course schedules. 

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Program Application Process: 

Prospective Scholars can apply to PSP by logging into WebSmart via their Student Portal.  Once in WebSmart, student can click on the "Student" tab and look for the "District Promise Application" Link.  The District Promise Application link will direct students to our quick application, which asks students to confirm which campus they'd like to apply to (we have Promise Scholars Programs at all three of our SMCCCD campuses), and reviews eligibility requirements. Follow the prompts and submit the application.  The application is short, so this process should take only a couple of minutes to complete. 

If you run into problems with your application, please reach out to us by email at skylinepromise@my.smccd.edu.  In the email, make sure to provide your full name, G# (student ID), and a little bit of context regarding the problem you're experiencing with the application.  We will work with you to resolve any issues and help you get the application submitted. 

Once submitted, the only additional item you'll need to make sure you complete right away is your financial aid application. The Promise Scholars Program cannot admit students who have an incomplete financial aid application on file, so it is critical to make sure your financial aid application is completed early on, and that you've listed Skyline College (school code: 007713) as a recipient of your FAFSA/California Dream Act application.  It often takes 2-3 weeks for financial aid applications to process fully, so completing the application as early as possible is important.  

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Program Selection Process:

For students interested in starting in Fall 2024: 

Fall applications are open from February 1st to September 1st. Students in the Fall cohort are admitted in rounds (see timeline below).

1st Round of selection: April 15th (students will receive email communication about their status in the program by the end of April)

2nd Round of selection: May 15th (students will receive email communication about their status in the program by the end of May)

3rd Round of selection: June 15th (students will receive email communication about their status in the program by the end of June)

4th Round of selection: July 15th (students will receive email communication about their status in the program by the end of July)

*Rolling admissions beyond July 15th, as space allows.

Additionally, students selected for the Fall cohort will need to attend a short Promise Scholars Summer Institute (PSSI), which typically takes place approximately a week prior to the start of the fall semester.  Once selected for the program, Scholars will receive additional details about PSSI and summer onboarding steps. 

For students interested in starting in Spring 2025:

Spring applications are open from September 2nd to January 20th. Students in the Spring cohort are admitted in rounds (see timeline below).

1st Round of selection: November 15th (students will receive email communication about their status in the program by the end of November)

2nd Round of selection: Third week of January (students will receive email communication about their status in the program prior to February 1st)

Once selected, Scholars will need to confirm their interest in the program and secure their seat in the cohort by completing an onboarding process, which entails attending a New Scholar Onboarding/Information Session, completing an onboarding survey, and signing a commitment form with the program.

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