RAMS PROMISE PROGRAM

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awards FOR THE 2023 - 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR (Fall 2023 and Spring 2024) are now being made to eligible students! 

No application is necessary! You are eligible... If you have completed a FAFSA, did not receive California College Promise Grant (CCPG), and are a first-time college student (students transferring to VVC for the first time from another college are not considered first-time students) attending full-time OR less than full-time. In addition....EXCLUSIVE TO THE HIGH DESERT COMMUNITY....VVC will also cover your student fees* for Fall, and Spring terms. If you believe you meet these criteria and do not see the award in your Financial Aid Self-Service, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@vvc.edu or contact us at 760-245-4271.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA**

Students who meet all of the following criteria will be eligible to receive a waiver for their enrollment/tuition fees and student fees (does not include material fees, parking, or non-resident tuition). 

FIRST YEAR

SECOND YEAR
  • First time college student: Has not attended VVC or any other institution as a college student after graduating from high school or its equivalent (GED).
  • Second year college student: Must have participated in the Rams Promise Program as a first-time college student during their prior academic year. 
  • California Resident: Must satisfy California residency requirements
  • California Resident: Must satisfy California residency requirements
  • 12-unit enrollment: Enroll in 12 or more units at VVC
    *accommodations possible for ACCESS students taking less than full-time
  • 12-unit enrollment: Enroll in 12 or
    more units at VVC
    *accommodations possible for ACCESS students taking less than full-time
  • Apply for financial aid: Complete one of the following applications. Please note: this program will cover your tuition if you do NOT qualify for the California College Promise Grant (formerly known as BOG):

 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

Eligible students whose application has been processed and confirmed must maintain the following requirements in order to continue in
the program the following term:

  • Enroll and maintain mandatory 12 units of enrollment
  • Achieve a minimum of 2.0 GPA and be in good academic standing
     

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US:

                    

One Stop Student Services Center
Building 23, Upper Campus

                 info@vvc.edu

                 760.245.4271

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

​The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is a financial aid assistance program that covers community college enrollment fees. If you are a CCPG recipient, you may be eligible for additional resources through one of the following programs:

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)/CARE: For more information contact the EOPS Office at (760) 245-4271 ext. 2422 or visit their office in the One Stop Student Services Center, Building 23, Upper Campus.

This program will cover your first two years of enrollment fees for 12 or more units ($46/unit).

The Rams Program does not pay for fees upfront. Eligible students will receive a fee deferral so that they are not dropped for non-payment, once they complete the appropriate steps to be fully onboarded to the program. We will pay fees once confirmed that a student is enrolled in 12 units after the second week of the term. 

For qualifying students who have already paid their tuition, a credit will apply to their account by the second week of the semester, once we have confirmed a GPA of 2.0 or better and a minimum enrollment of 12 or more. For qualifying students who have not paid their tuition you will continue to see a balance until the second week of the semester once a tuition waiver is placed onto your account. If a student has already paid for the cost of the enrollment or student fees, a refund must be requested at the Bursar Office. This process is not automatic. 

Students are encouraged to reach out to their academic counselor if they are experiencing academic challenges throughout the semester. Dropping under the 2.0 GPA requirement can affect participation in the program during the following semester. 

The goal of the program is to help you complete your program in a timely manner. If you think you may drop below mandatory units
please see a the Office of Financial Aid.  Not fulfilling the eligibility requirements in a semester may affect participation in the program
during the following semester. 

No, we do not have a restriction on high school service areas. All students who are first time college students and satisfy California
residency requirements are encouraged to apply to the Rams Promise Program. 

Students who receive an accommodation letter through ACCESS for less than 12 units can continue to participate in the program.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid to submit required documentation. However, the program benefits are only for two years and will
not be extended.​

Yes, as long as you didn't attend any other college after you graduated from high school.

Yes, as long as you meet all of the eligibility criteria and Summer was your first term of enrollment.

Enrollment in summer sessions is recommended for students, but the program does not cover the enrollment fees.

All VVC students who meet the program criteria and meet California residency requirements, including AB 540, are eligible regardless
of their citizenship status. 

For more information regarding submitting a FAFSA or California Dream Act, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (760) 245-4271 or
info@vvc.edu.

For more information regarding enrolling at VVC, contact the Outreach Welcome Center at (760) 245-4271 or info@vvc.edu. 

For more information about receiving these funds or eligibility, please contact Chris Piercy, Executive Director of Recapturing Enrollment, at Chris.Piercy@vvc.edu or at (760) 245-4271 ext. 2241.