First Year Special Programs
SMC has an array of programs and services available specifically to help develop your career pathway and focuses on the steps necessary to achieve your academic and career goals.
This is a one-stop guide for all SMC special programs and support services.
Attend SMC for FREE during your first year! The SMC Promise program offers recent California high school grads the opportunity to attend college without the burden of paying tuition.
Program Perks
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New full-time students (12 units or more per semester) are eligible for free enrollment in classes (valued up to $2,300 based on current fees)
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Free student ID card, free Associated Students membership, and free health fee!
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Get access to early enrollment once you become eligible for the SMC Promise!
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Up to $1,200 Textbook Vouchers!
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If eligible for the California College Promise Grant, SMC will help you offset the high cost of textbooks by providing you textbook vouchers. The book vouchers available are:
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$100 for summer session
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$500 for the fall semester
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$100 for the winter session
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$500 for the spring semester
For more information on the SMC Promise program, visit SMC.edu/FreeTuition
Extended Opportunity Program & Services (EOPS) at Santa Monica College is a program that supports the enrollment, retention, graduation and transfer of students who are challenged by economic and educational disadvantages.
Program Perks
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Academic, career, personal and transfer counseling
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Priority registration
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Supplemental textbook assistance
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Educational, transfer and career development workshops
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One-on-one tutoring
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Educational and cultural activities
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College field trips
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Application fee waivers to four-year institutions
For more information about EOPS, visit SMC.edu/EOPS.
The Scholars Program consists of a talented group of highly motivated students whose goals demand specialized and intense academic preparation and study. Through special transfer agreements with top four-year colleges and universities, Scholars students get priority consideration for admissions to the following campuses: The UCLA College of Letters and Science (TAP), UC Irvine, and Loyola Marymount University, to name a few.
Program Perks
- Enrollment Priority
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English tutoring
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UCLA library privileges(forms/instructions for obtaining a UCLA library card are in the Scholars Program office)
For more information about the Scholars program, visit SMC.edu/Scholars
Santa Monica College's STEM initiatives foster the student skills necessary to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math courses. STEM is an academic support program designed to help traditionally underrepresented students interested in STEM careers. Students can successfully complete their studies at SMC, transfer to a 4-year research-orientated baccalaureate program, and enter the STEM workforce.
Program Perks
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Peer tutoring and coaching
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Faculty-led workshops and events
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Specialized STEM Courses
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STEM Cool Careers Panels and STEM Days on the Quad
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Engage with STEM at SMC through student clubs
For more information about the STEM program, visit SMC.edu/STEM
The Black Collegians Program/Umoja Community at SMC is designed to assist students of African descent in transferring to four-year universities and obtaining their Associate degree. The Black Collegians Program is within the statewide Umoja Community. As a recognized program within the Umoja Community, we abide by the mission and the educational philosophy of the Community and we share strategies and goals with other Umoja Community programs at the various California Community Colleges statewide.
Program Perks
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Academic, career, and personal counseling.
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Assisting in the development of students’ skills that are necessary for college success.
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Educational and cultural activities in which students can participate.
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Teaching students to develop a life plan that involves personal, social and academic responsibilities.
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A selection of general education courses that are transferable to the UC and CSU systems as well as pre-collegiate level courses in English and math.
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Scholarships to active participants.
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Book vouchers
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Priority registration
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A full-time math instructional assistant who tutors, provide study guides for all levels of math, and supervises student tutors.
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Leadership opportunities through the Black Collegians Club
For more information about the Black Collegians program, visit SMC.edu/BlackCollegians.
The ADELANTE Program is a success-oriented program focusing on academic achievement, transfer, cultural awareness, and personal growth. Adelante classes accentuate the Latino experience within the context of the course subject, and most classes offer credits that are transferable to the UC and CSU systems.
Program Perks
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Eligible to enroll in Adelante classes
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Receive follow-up from Latino Center counselors and other Center staff
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Participate in classes with a large Latino enrollment
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Join a Latino network
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Become eligible for specially designated scholarships
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Are placed on the Latino Center mailing list
For more information about the Adelante program, visit SMC.edu/Adelante.