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For a decade, the San Diego Promise has powered student success by helping them pursue their educational goals and build brighter futures. What began with 186 students in 2016 has grown into a program serving nearly 3,500 students each year and supporting almost 20,000 students over the past 10 years.
On Tuesday, October 27, employees and alumni of the San Diego Community College District, along with donors and community members, will come together to celebrate this milestone and invest in the next generation of Promise students.
The San Diego Promise covers up to two years of tuition and health fees, provides book grants, and connects students with mentors, success coaches, and academic counselors.
Join us this giving day and show our students how much we believe in them. Together, let's keep the Promise.
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San Diego Miramar and City College alum Jillian Fortner joined the San Diego Promise program in 2020. She said the program that provided free tuition at community college made her dream of transferring to UC San Diego more attainable.
VIDEO: MEET JILLIAN FORTNER
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Ten years after its launch, the San Diego Promise is delivering benefits far beyond the classroom. A new economic impact analysis by labor market analytics firm Lightcast estimates the program has generated more than $1 billion in combined economic and social benefits, demonstrating how investments in student success strengthen communities and local economies.
Since 2016, the San Diego Promise has expanded from an inaugural cohort of 186 students to nearly 3,500 incoming students last year. The program provides eligible students with up to two years of tuition-free education at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges, along with dedicated counselors and other support services that help students persist and succeed.
“The San Diego Promise ensures college is affordable for everyone,” said San Diego Community College District Chancellor Gregory Smith. “Through this program, we are building a brighter future each student, their diverse families, and the greater San Diego community.”
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The San Diego Regional Housing Finance Authority (SDRHFA) has secured $6.5 million in state funding to accelerate affordable housing production, preservation, and regional capacity. It is a significant boost for a relatively new organization established by the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) and San Diego Unified School District under Senate Bill 440, which allows two or more public agencies to raise, administer, and allocate funding for affordable housing in specific regions.
Safe, high quality, affordable housing is essential to a thriving regional economy,” said SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith. “We are grateful for the state’s investment in establishing a housing finance authority to bring safe, high quality, affordable communities to San Diego.”
SDRHFA leaders credited San Diego delegation members including Assemblymember Chris Ward, and Senators Catherine Blakespear, Brian Jones, Stephen Padilla, and Akilah Weber Pierson for their leadership and assistance in securing the funding.
READ MORE: SAN DIEGO REGIONAL HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY
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The San Diego Community College District and its four colleges, San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar, and College of Continuing Education, will celebrate Filipino American History Month throughout October.
Events include music, cultural traditions, community gatherings, educational and career exploration, and discussions on Filipino American experiences and history. All events are free and open to the public.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom recently completed the 2027 legislative session by taking action on hundreds of bills ahead of the September 30 deadline. He did so in dramatic fashion: signing his final bill atop a tower on the Golden Gate Bridge. Theatrics aside, the San Diego Community College District’s shared advocacy efforts helped advance important priorities for California’s community colleges, though several challenges remain as we continue working to secure the resources and flexibility our students and colleges need.
“The SDCCD has long been a strong advocate for policies that expand opportunity and promote student success,” said Chancellor Gregory Smith. “This year’s legislative advocacy work and budget outcomes reflect important progress, from strengthening workforce education to securing resources that better align with the impact community colleges have both at the local level and across California.”
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PACK THE PANTRY
Cal Coast Credit Union, in partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and local community colleges, is holding the Pack the Pantry virtual food drive through October 31 to fill pantries at San Diego community colleges.
Every dollar donated helps provide two meals, and Cal Coast will match donations up to $7,500. The fundraiser will support campus food pantries serving community college students across San Diego and Imperial counties. These pantries and nutrition centers provide essential basic resources that help students stay focused on their education and path toward graduation. DONATE TO PACK THE PANTRY
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OCTOBER 27
The SDCCD Fall Town Hall will be from 2 to 5 p.m. at College of Continuing Education's North City Campus, Room 101, 8355 Aero Drive. Join Chancellor Gregory Smith for a thoughtful conversation on the mental health and well-being of students and employees during challenging social times. Explore the impact of today's social climate, discover resources and strategies for resilience, and discuss ways to foster compassion, connection, and support across our District. Please submit questions in advance by emailing chancellors.office@sdccd.edu by October 23. Questions will be answered live during the town hall.
OCTOBER 30
San Diego Mesa College will host the annual Taste of Mesa fundraiser benefiting the Culinary Arts Management Program. Taste of Mesa will feature internationally-inspired cuisine and two cook-off competitions between alumni, students and an advanced baking team. GET TICKETS TO TASTE OF MESA
NOVEMBER 12
The San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees meeting will be held at 4 p.m. at San Diego Mesa College, 7250 Mesa College Drive, San Diego.
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