Program enrollment rises more than 100%

Originally called First-Year Promise at its 2017 start, Canyons Promise accepted nearly 740 students for fall semester

The 2019 College of the Canyons graduating class was the first to include a group of FirstYear Promise students, as the 105 scholars who comprised the First-Year Promise inaugural cohort crossed the stage ready to begin the next stage.

Since the original cohort began in the fall 2017 semester, the Canyons Promise — as the program is now referred to — has seen an enrollment increase of more than 111% after the school accepted nearly 740 students into this year’s Canyons Promise cohort.

“We are excited to see the new Canyons Promise class start this fall,” said Jasmine Ruys, associate vice president of enrollment services. “It has been incredible to witness the program’s continuous growth and its successful impact on students who have participated.”

The increase in the number of students COC accepted was made possible through a combination of state funds and private donations, officials said, adding students will also benefit from priority registration privileges and receive a $100 voucher per semester that can be applied toward textbooks, supplies and instructional materials in addition to waived tuition and fees.

Students will also have access to peer mentors, parking and bus passes as well as other benefits, like free computer lab printing services.

Officials added in Wednesday’s release that a Welcome Day event will be held on Friday, Aug. 9, to help all Canyons Promise students gain the skills needed to be successful.

Students new to COC are also welcome to attend, and those looking for more information can visit the Canyons Promise web page, officials said.