Ontario's Community College Promise Program

The City of Ontario believes that all children of Ontario should have the opportunity to follow their dreams to attend a vocational or higher learning institution.  To help fulfill this dream, the City of Ontario has established a scholarship program for high school graduates which will provide free tuition for up to two consecutive years at a California community college of the student’s choice. The Ontario City Council’s goal is to expand access to higher education, support local economic development initiatives, and encourage students to obtain a vocational or higher education degree to enhance and retain the workforce in the region. 

Apply Below!

The City of Ontario is no longer accepting paper applications. All applications must be filled out electronically using the web-based form.

For more information about Ontario's Community College Promise Program please contact (909) 395-2005 or email collegepromise@ontarioca.gov. 

 

 

ACCORDION
Program Overview

This scholarship program is for Ontario residents who enroll as full-time students at a California community college of the students’ choice within 6 months of graduation from high school. The scholarship provides for up to two years of tuition for eligible students who do not already qualify for the California Community Colleges Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver Program.  The City of Ontario partners with the Ontario-Montclair Promise Scholars program to prepare all students to be successful as they enter the workforce.  City staff works with Promise Scholars to increase students’ high school completion rate and college going rates with the help of this scholarship program.  

The City of Ontario is proud of its focus and achievements in maintaining and growing economic value within the community and this scholarship program’s ability to enhance workforce development throughout the region.  Partners such as the County of San Bernardino, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau, Ontario-Montclair Schools Foundation’s Promise Scholars Program, and local businesses all contribute to create a comprehensive network which promotes and fosters local talent, and creates employment opportunities for the residents of the City of Ontario.

By participating in the City of Ontario scholarship program, students will not only receive free community college tuition, but will also be afforded additional opportunities for internship programs throughout their course of study with a goal of full-time employment upon completion of their education.

GoSmart Program (Bus Transportation)

Students who attend partner colleges in the County of San Bernardino area enjoy unlimited rides on Omnitrans’ fixed routes. Current partner schools include: Chaffey College, Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College.  See Omnitrans’ website (www.omnitrans.org) for additional program information.  GoSmart students save on gas and car expenses and avoid parking hassles at school by utilizing this program.  Unlimited rides are available to GoSmart students on all Omnitrans fixed route buses, OmniGo buses and the new sbX express service. 

Qualifications and Requirements

Qualifications

  • Must have lived in the City of Ontario for the 2-year period prior to high school graduation.
  • Must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application by the deadline applicable for their high school senior year. This is a government application that requires information from the student’s parents or guardian’s tax return. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid and grants as soon as possible and before the application deadline.

Requirements

  • Registration/enrollment as a full-time student as defined by the selected California community college.
  • Complete and submit the City of Ontario scholarship program application within 6 months of graduation from high school.
  • Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and DREAM Act application.  The FAFSA must be completed and submitted each academic year that the student is registered/enrolled.
  • Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in community college coursework.
  • Completion of community service hours set by the City of Ontario. 

Residency

To be eligible for the City of Ontario scholarship program, the student must have lived in the City of Ontario for the 2-year period prior to their high school graduation.  Proof of residency is required.

Community Colleges

Prospective students must enroll and attend a two-year public community college of their choice that is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, an institutional accrediting body authorized to operate by the U.S. Department of Education through the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.  

Admission and Fees

Admission

Prospective students are encouraged to research community colleges within the area to decide which one would be the best fit for them in pursuit of their goals.  It is the responsibility of the student to complete and submit an application for admission to the community college of their choice. Upon receiving a letter of acceptance, the student is to download and review their registration packet, contact the counseling department to schedule an assessment and orientation, and begin registering for classes.

Fees

(Tuition Fees are set and periodically updated by the State of California)

The City of Ontario scholarship program only covers tuition fees. Students must pay all other costs – books, health fees, student ID card, transportation, food, housing and other fees.

Application


This scholarship program is for Ontario residents who enroll as full-time students at a California community college of the students’ choice within 6 months of graduation from high school. The scholarship provides for up to two years of tuition for eligible students who do not already qualify for the California Community Colleges Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver Program.  The City of Ontario partners with the Ontario-Montclair Promise Scholars program to prepare all students to be successful as they enter the workforce.  City staff works with Promise Scholars to increase students’ high school completion rate and college going rates with the help of this scholarship program.  

To receive your scholarship, please complete all items on this form.* Form must be completed electronically or typed. No handwritten applications will be accepted. 

All students who accept Ontario's Community College Promise Program's scholarship are asked to release the use of their photos and potentially confidential information to the City of Ontario and the Ontario-Montclair Schools Foundation (i.e. Promise Scholars).  Such confidential information includes major, hometown and information related to scholarship requirements.  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires student consent to disclose personal and educational information to any individual.  Students may grant their permission to release their educational information.  In order to provide officials of the City of Ontario and the Ontario-Montclair Schools Foundation with required information about their scholarship recipients, we are asking that you agree to the terms of this Scholarship Information Release Form by signing and returning this form to the Economic Development Agency of the City of Ontario.

By completing the application below, I hereby authorize the City of Ontario and the Ontario-Montclair Schools Foundation to disclose the below information with officials.  I consent that this release will remain in effect until revoked by the applicant in writing.

For more information or questions, please contact the Economic Development Agency at (909) 395-2005 or e-mail collegepromise@ontarioca.gov

*Please note that students will need to pay all fees and tuition directly to their community college of choice. Upon acceptance into this scholarship program, students will be reimbursed for tuition paid. 
 

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