IVC Desert Warrior Promise Program 
The IVC Promise offers a unique opportunity to enhance access to higher education
by eliminating financial barriers and providing comprehensive support. This program
covers up to two years of tuition for students at Imperial Valley College, offers
book grants for those demonstrating financial need, and fosters a supportive learning
community designed to promote academic success. The IVC Promise ensures that all participants
have the resources they need to succeed.
Promise Programs
First-Year Experience (FYE)
Second-Year Experience (SYE)
What is the California Promise?
Founded in 2018, The California Promise built on the California College Promise Innovation
Grant Program that was authorized through Assembly Bill 1741 in 2016. The program
is intended to offer financial support to districts interested in creating or expanding
Promise programs to local K-12 school districts, community colleges, and public university
systems to help make college affordable to all students, support the goals of Vision
2030, strengthen Guided Pathways and encourage innovation.
Program Requirements
- Complete and sign a Desert Warrior Promise Agreement
- Full attendance at the FYE Summer Bridge Program in June
- Enroll in at least 12 units each semester
- Immediately after high school graduation, enroll in an in-person summer course designated
by the Promise Counselor
- Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Stay on track for completion of the college program in two academic years
- Meet with the Promise Counselor once a semester during First-Year Experience (FYE)
and once a semester during Second-Year Experience (SYE)
- Complete Comprehensive Educational Plan (CSEP) by the end of your first semester (Fall)
- Attend two Promise workshops per semester, including a DegreeWorks workshop for FYE
students
- All requirements must be met to transition from FYE to SYE
Eligibility Requirements
- First-time college student
- Must graduate from a local high school in the same year they begin the Promise Program
- CA Resident
- Have a 2.5 cumulative high school GPA
- Apply to FAFSA (current year FAFSA for summer enrollment and following year FAFSA
for fall enrollment) or CA Dream Act
- Complete a Desert Warrior Promise Application
Note: Students not meeting any of the requirements may be dropped from the Promise Program
with or without notice.
Promise Program Benefits
- Summer Bridge Orientation Program for FYE students
- College Application Assistance
- Enrollment Assistance
- Portal Navigation Assistance
- Campus Tours
- Student ID Obtainment
- Promise Counselor
- Academic Support
- Book Vouchers ($600 limit per year) (EOPS students do not qualify for Promise book
vouchers)
- Campus Parking Pass
- Bus Passes (if do not need a parking pass)
- Campus Referrals
- Desert Warriors Planner
- Success Workshops
- Class Schedule Printing
- Peer Mentoring
- Engagement Activities
- Fieldtrips (Space is limited)
- Promise Center for Questions and Assistance Requests
- Opportunity to be a Promise Student Assistant (Promise Ambassador) for SYE students
- “Power Up Your Promise” First Week of Semester Treats
- “Recharge Your Promise!” Midterms Week Treats
- “Fuel Your Promise” Finals Week Treats
- Laptop Loans (Visit the Student Equity & Achievement Office in 401)
What is the FYE Summer Bridge Program?
The First-Year Experience (FYE) Summer Bridge Program provides first year students
in their academic, personal and social transition to college. The program includes:
- Orientation: A comprehensive orientation that covers academic policies, student resources
and campus life.
- Academic Advising: Tailored advising to help students select courses, develop academic
plans, and understand their pathway to graduation.
- Success Workshops: Workshops on study skills, time management, stress management,
financial literacy, and college survival.
- Peer Mentoring: Assigning upperclassmen mentors to first-year students for guidance
and support.
- Learning Communities: Cohort-based classes that encourage peer support, networking,
and shared academic experiences.
- Social & Engagement Activities: Organizing community-building events to foster a sense
of belonging and campus engagement.
Applications for the 2026–2027 Promise Program are now closed!
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us at
ivcwssc@imperial.edu or call (760) 355-6226.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Imperial Valley College!
