ASO Discount Benefit Pass History

Remember when college enrollment was free? Yes, free! El Camino College opened its doors in 1947 to offer classes at no charge and has rapidly become one of the most successful and reputable community colleges in California. Not until 1982 did El Camino start charging an enrollment fee. In 1975, in an attempt to keep tuition free and to help offset the cost of attending the college, the ECC Discount Card evolved.

Originally dubbed the Student Identification and Services Card or the SIDS Card, it cost the student $5. As time progressed so did the cost of living, and finally by the mid-'80s, enrollment fees were a must. A new plastic computerized card combined the ID card and the SIDS card. Toward the turn of the century, the SIDS Card became a sticker and was renamed the Auxiliary Services fits sticker. The ASB sticker came to be.

In 2018, the ASB sticker changed its name again to the ASO Discount Sticker. Then, in 2021, the name was changed again to ASO Discount Benefit Pass. Soon, transforming the discount sticker will be a digital badge on students’ virtual ID cards.

This discount program, now only $15, is valid for two terms. The fall pass is good through fall semester and winter term and expires the day before the spring semester begins. Likewise, the spring pass is valid through spring semester and the summer term and expires the day before the fall semester starts.

Unlike other educational facilities, faculty, staff and alumni have the privilege of joining the discount program as soon as the cashier windows reopen.  

The ASB/ASO Reborn

After years of being dormant, in 2004 the ASB program (now ASO) was revamped into the services and benefits that we offer today.  

	Muffins in the Morning Students/Staff who purchased the ASB discount sticker were given a pastry at the Information/Photo ID counter located in the Student Activities Center Building by Rick Woods, ID photographer, an ASB Team member (retired). Since then the Activities and Photo ID Booth are now located in the Manhattan Beach Blvd. Modules, MBBM #131 and #137.
	ASO Drawing and Giveaways are Temporarily Suspended Due to COVID-19  Prior to the virus: “Show us your current ASO Discount sticker and enter the drawing or get an item free! Look for the ASO Table all throughout the campus. Gifts and prizes may consist of T-shirts, water bottles, iPods, movie and amusement park tickets, air pods, gift certificates, etc. Just show your ASO sticker to enter and play... it's that easy!"
	Seeing Double in 2004 Andres and Alex Valles (twins), original ASB student team members, use their creative talents to help ASB promotions. We now sell most major Southern California amusement park discount tickets with the ASO sticker.
	The Old/New Look at 2005 Lawrence A. Moreno, ASB project creator and supervisor, along with student Ray Pila, senior graphic designer, discuss the new design of ECC's ASB logo. Check out the newest look for the ASO Pass, soon to be digital.
	When's Lunch? Aleda Jackson, retired administrative assistant, demonstrates her multitasking skills while listening to instructions from Harold L. Tyler, director of student development, (retired) who oversaw the early SIDS card and also the ASB campaign.
	Student Services Specialists Jeannine Barba (retired) and Janice Watanabe (retired), of the Student Development Office, are briefed on the progress of the ASB discount program.
	The Final Product Student Joseph Matias, graphic designer, finishes up the design of a new ASB approval stamp and other ASB products. Look at that high-tech computer!
	Slashing and Hashing Slogans Lawrence A. Moreno and team member Michael Carter, ID photographer, (retired) interact with words and phrases on how slogans, ideas and concepts can contribute.
	Things Here Now and to Come ASO plans on more fun prizes and giveaways and increasing more discounted amusement parks and movie tickets. Keep an eye out for ASO events on the Library Lawn and in front of the Student Services building!