More high school students in San Mateo County will be able to take college courses in the coming year, and County community colleges will become more affordable and accessible for more students, after the San Mateo County Community College Board of Trustees adopted an annual budget last week that invests $6.75 million into its Free Community College strategic initiative, the district said.
The Free Community College initiative includes partnerships that allow dual enrollment for high school students at San Mateo County community colleges; a Promise program that includes funding for a scholarship, counseling, and other education needs for local students; and expands initiatives that aim to eliminate the cost of textbooks and course materials for students.
The District’s recently-adopted budget adds a $2 million, two-year grant from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to expand the Promise Scholars Program. The San Mateo County Community College District has also entered into agreements with five high school and unified school districts in San Mateo County to offer dual enrollment courses.
“This major investment for the Free Community College initiative underscores the Board’s and District’s commitment to putting students first,” said SMCCCD Board of Trustees President Thomas A. Nuris. “By making this $6.75 million allocation this year, we believe the District will be able to build out programs that will expand opportunities for residents of our region to access and complete a college education now and for years to come.”
Photo by Rafael Lima
