South Bay Promise

What We Promise

Your future looks more promising than ever with the South Bay Promise.

If you’re a first-time, full-time college student we’ll waive your first and second year enrollment fees. The South Bay Promise does not waive Non-Resident Tuition (Per-unit fee for students who aren't California residents). Please note, if you're granted an AB 540 exemption, the South Bay Promise will waive your first and second year fees.

3000+

Students Enrolled

$1,100+

Enrollment fees saved

Student Support & Success Programs

Getting Started

ALL first-time, full-time college students

Regardless of high school / GED completion year
No financial need is necessary to qualify
Regardless of city of residence

Students who complete ALL of the eligibility requirements started below by the stated deadline

Students who are determined to be California Residents. Please see our admissions site to determine if you may qualify for CA residency

Step 1:	Apply for admission.- Summer or Fall 2025 Application.
Step 2:	Complete and submit a Fall 2025 application. Please note that effective immediately we will no longer Accept Spring Applications.
Step 3:	Renew or submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act application (Please note, any corrections or updates to the student’s FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, need to be made before the start of the fall semester to ensure that verifiable financial aid information is available at El Camino College. If the South Bay Promise cannot verify the student's financial aid information, the student's enrollment fees will not be paid for by the South Bay Promise and the student will no longer be eligible for the program).
Step 4:	Complete the English and Mathematics Placement Survey in MyECC
Step 5:	Complete the New Student Orientation
Step 6:	Meet with an El Camino Counselor to create an Educational Plan
Step 7:	Connect with an approved South Bay Promise Student Support & Success Program or Pathway (requirements and application deadlines vary). See below for a list of approved South Bay Promise Programs or Pathways.
Step 8:	Register for a minimum of 12 units for both fall and spring semesters. (If you are registered with the Special Resource Center on campus and have been approved, then you are only required to take 9 units for both the fall and spring semesters).
Step 9: (optional)	Complete a Financial Aid & Advocacy Student Training (FAAST) workshop. (Available only during Summer session). Please note this step is not mandatory but highly recommended.

Path to Enroll at El Camino College

To have your enrollment fees waived the second year you must:

- 1. Maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA).
- 2. Complete at least 24 units after the spring semester (18 units if you are registered with the Special Recource Center (SRC) at El Camino College.
3. Renew or submit a valid FAFSA or California Dream Act application each academic year.
(Please note, any corrections or updates to the student’s FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, need to be made before the start of the spring or fall semester (whichever is your 1st semester of college), to ensure that verifiable financial aid information is available at El Camino College. If the South Bay Promise cannot verify the student's financial aid information, the student's enrollment fees will not be paid for by the South Bay Promise and the student will no longer be eligible for the program).

Email: southbaypromise@elcamino.edu or call (310) 660-6464.

Join us to hear more about what South Bay Promise has to offer and the necessary steps to receive two free years of enrollment fees. Most sessions are held virtually via Zoom.

Info Sessions will renew in 2025.

Approved Programs

Get a head start and reach out to these programs by clicking the links below - they'll help you work through

the application process, eligibility reviews, and upcoming information sessions.

Information Session

Join us for a virtual information sessions.

Info for Students

Find out what the South Bay Promise Program can do for you as a first-time college student.

Info for Parents

Learn about the benefits of the South Bay Promise program for your student.

Be a Community Partner

Invest in the future of our students by supporting the South Bay Promise program.

Sign Up for Information

Want to learn more about ECC? Fill out our Prospective Student Form and a friendly staff member will reach out to help!

Submit Prospective Student Form

Questions?

South Bay Promise

Hours Mon- Fri 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Email southbaypromise@elcamino.edu

Call 310-660-6464