The Long Beach College Promise

Abstract

The Long Beach College Promise (The Promise) extends the promise of a college education to every student in the Long Beach Unified School District to create a more vibrant community. This innovative and award-winning initiative is transforming the lives of students and the city’s economic future by placing higher education within reach for all.

The Promise aims to fulfill the academic potential of all youth by offering guidance and continuous support along every step of the student experience, from pre-K through college and onto career and life. Fueling The Promise is a dynamic partnership between the Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach City College, California State University, Long Beach and the City of Long Beach.

The Promise creates a culture of college expectation and supports students from cradle to career. In providing universal access to early education, mandatory college tours in the 4th and 5th grades, internships, a tuition-free year at city college and guaranteed admission to CSULB, The Promise increases college readiness and improves graduation rates among Long Beach youth.

A 2016 Economic Development Blueprint recognized the importance of expanding job opportunity in key industry clusters in Long Beach. The Promise re-tools curriculum and aligns entrepreneurial training with high needs sectors and citywide priorities. The Promise powers California’s economy by raising the adult educational attainment rate in the entire Southern California region.

Simply stated, The Long Beach College Promise is a promise of a college education for every Long Beach youth. This is visionary.

Finalist Presentation

UEDA Awards of Excellence Finalists presented at the Annual Summit in Long Beach on October 2-3, 2017. Summit attendees then voted for the best initiative in each category.