Long Beach College Promise

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An LBCC student flashing the #2 with her fingers.

    The Long Beach College Promise (LBCP) is a partnership for Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) students and select high schools. To be eligible, students must enroll at LBCC directly following graduation from an LBUSD high school or one of the selected high schools. Students will be eligible for 2 years of free tuition at LBCC. Please note that starting Fall 2023 incoming cohort, the Long Beach College Promise 2.0 Program will be integrated into the original Long Beach College Promise with extended support services and resources. 

    About the Program

    Eligible High Schools for the Long Beach College Promise

      List of eligible LBUSD schools
      • Avalon
      • Beach
      • Browning
      • Cabrillo
      • California Academy of Mathematics & Science (CAMS)
      • Educational Partnership High School (EPHS)
      • Jordan
      • Lakewood
      • Long Beach Adult School
      • Mayfair
      • McBride
      • Millikan
      • Poly Academy of Achievers & Leaders (PAAL)
      • Poly
      • Reid
      • Renaissance
      • Sato Academy of Mathematics & Science
      • St. Anthony
      • St. Joseph
      • Wilson

      Eligibility for Long Beach College Promise at LBCC

      To be eligible, students must enroll at LBCC directly following graduation from an eligible LBUSD high school or one of the selected high schools. Long Beach College Promise students are eligible for 2 years of free tuition.

      • Be an LBUSD graduate or a graduate of one of the selected high schools
      • Enroll at LBCC directly following graduation from high school
      • Be first-time college students
      • Enroll in at least 12 units at LBCC per semester
      • Apply to FAFSA or CA Dream Act
      • Complete the participation agreement (In order to receive priority registration for Fall 2023 you must submit your participation agreement by 4/25/23. The final deadline for the Fall 2023 incoming cohort is 8/31/23)
      • Must be a CA resident (or AB 540 eligible)
      • The Long Beach College Promise admits students in the Fall semester only

      Requirements for Free Tuition at LBCC

      Free tuition* at LBCC requires students:

      • To be enrolled in full-time status (12 units or more) during the main Fall and Spring terms. 
      • To complete 24 units by the end of the summer of their first year to obtain second-year funding.
      • Please check your financial aid package as you may be eligible for other types of aid outside the LB College Promise.
      • These requirements for free tuition are specifically for Long Beach College Promise students at LBCC.

      Benefits of Long Beach College Promise

      As a Long Beach College Promise student will receive the following benefits:

      • Two years of free tuition at LBCC (Fall and Spring terms only)
      • Local preferences for transfer admission to CSULB provided students meet the major-specific requirements
      • Individualized Transfer Support
      • Participation in the Viking Summer Voyage – a FREE two-week summer bridge program that will help you transition to LBCC
      • Access to an LBCC Student Success Network of academic coaches, mentors, and counselors who will support your student’s academic success
      • Enrollment in a first-year college success course
      • Assistance during your second year at LBCC that will be focused on career development and mentoring
      • Join the First Year Experience ASPIRE Club

      How to Apply for the Long Beach College Promise

      You can complete and submit the student participation agreement within your Viking Student System. 

      1. Go to https://www.lbcc.edu
      2. Hover over Quicklinks
      3. Select Viking Student Login
      4. Enter your log-in credentials
      5. Once logged in, go to your Student Center page
      6. Under LBCC Important Information you will see a link to the Participation Agreement
      7. Select Participation Agreement and click View
      8. Read and submit the agreement

      Promise 2.0 Evolution

      The components of Promise 2.0 are now part of the Long Beach College Promise. The two programs have become one.

      Why are we making this change?

      This change is intended to increase access for students by eliminating confusion for students and families about the benefits of the Long Beach College Promise. We consolidated our resources and support systems to ensure the most impactful experience for students.

      Long Beach College Promise Cohorts:
      Fall 2023 and Onward Promise 2.0 Cohorts from Fall 2021 and Fall 2022
      The Long Beach College Promise will continue as usual, we are folding the signature benefits of the former Promise 2.0 in the Long Beach College Promise to streamline your experience at LBCC. If you are currently in Promise 2.0 this change does not affect you. You will continue to receive specialized Promise 2.0 benefits.

       

      FAQ

      Please click on the Long Beach College Promise Frequently Asked Questions below for more information:

      Does LBCP provide a transfer guarantee to CSULB?

      LBUSD students will continue to receive local preferences for transfer admission to CSULB provided students meet the major-specific requirements. LBCC and CSULB will continue to offer support services and resources to help students attain transfer goals to CSULB. Please consult with a counselor for additional details.

      Am I eligible to transfer to any CSULB major under the LBCP?

      Except for highly impacted majors, CSU-eligible applicants who have local preferences will be offered admission if they meet the major-specific minimum cumulative GPA and required lower-division preparation. For highly impacted majors, consult with your LBCC counselor or check the major-specific requirements.

      Would LBCP students still receive dual advising support with CSULB?

      Yes, students will still receive CSULB academic advising support. If you are an LBCP student interested in connecting with a CSULB advisor, please contact one of our coaches or counselors

      Would students still receive a CSULB future student ID card?

      CSULB is re-envisioning how to provide Student ID cards to LBCP students. Please stay tuned for more updates.

      What if my high school is not listed?

      If your high school is not listed above, you are not eligible for the Long Beach College Promise. However, you may be eligible for Viking Advantage.

      Am I eligible for the Long Beach College Promise two-year tuition waiver?

      Please read the eligibility requirements at the top of this page.

      Am I eligible to receive the Long Beach College Promise two-year tuition waiver if I do not apply to/qualify for the FAFSA or CA Dream Act application?

      To take advantage of the Long Beach College Promise two-year tuition waiver, you must apply to FAFSA or CA Dream Act regardless of your family income.

      What is Priority Registration at LBCC?

      Long Beach College Promise students will be able to register for classes before all new and continuing students. Priority Registration increases the likelihood that you will be able to enroll in the courses of your preference.

      If I took a gap of any sort between high school and college, do I still qualify for the Long Beach College Promise?

      If there is any break in your enrollment from high school to LBCC, you are not eligible for the Long Beach College Promise. Instead, you may be eligible for the Viking Advantage.

      What is the difference between Viking Advantage and Long Beach College Promise?

      To be eligible for the Long Beach College Promise, students must enroll at LBCC directly following graduation from an LBUSD high school, Mayfair, St. Anthony, or St. Joseph. Viking Advantage is open to all high schools and students do not have to enroll at LBCC directly following their high school graduation. Click here to see a comparison chart of the two programs’ eligibility and benefits.

      I am still unsure if I am eligible for the Long Beach College Promise. Who can I contact?

      If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact our First Year Experience Program at fye@lbcc.edu.

      Why do we call it the Promise?

      Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), Long Beach City College (LBCC), California State University Long Beach (CSULB) and the city of Long Beach (LB) have created a partnership. Together we promised to prepare our young people for academic success to pursue a meaningful career in the future. Visit the Long Beach College Promise for more info.