By mobilizing existing financial aid programs and SBCCD funding sources, college officials estimate that 1,000 local high school graduates could benefit from a two-year tuition-free program.

San Bernardino, Ca. – The San Bernardino Community College District will invest $10 million to begin exploring a two-year tuition-free program at Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College.

The move aims to help future hard-working high school graduates earn career training certificates or start the first half of their bachelor’s degree at no cost, and ultimately boost the number of college graduates in Inland Southern California.

“Opportunity begins with access to education and with this $10 million investment we’re telling our local students that we’ve got their backs,” said SBCCD Board President Joseph Williams. “My colleagues and I recognize that to support our youth we must be innovative, and that includes making college tuition-free so that hard-working students realize their educational and career potential.”

By mobilizing existing financial aid programs and SBCCD funding sources, college officials estimate that 1,000 local high school graduates could benefit.

Recent SBCCD News:

• SBCCD Awarded $1.8 million To Upskill 3,200 Inland Empire Workers
• $1 Million for San Bernardino Valley College Workforce Training
• San Bernardino Valley College and Crafton Hills College Awarded For Increasing Wages

“The success of this initiative will depend on all of us doing our part – college faculty and staff, K-12 educators, families, and community members – working together to lift up the next generation,” said Chancellor Bruce Baron.

Despite having high school graduation rates higher than the statewide average, Inland Southern California fares particularly poorly with respect to college enrollment, according to the PPIC report.

“Removing financial barriers for students and families is key to promoting a college-going culture in our community,” said San Bernardino Valley College President Diana Z. Rodriguez.

Crafton Hills College Interim President Audre Levy agreed and said, “Though we are in the very early stages, the building blocks of our efforts will be college affordability, college access, and college success.”