Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Taking a college course during the summer term does not affect your eligibility for Pirates' Promise. In fact, starting in the summer term will help you complete your educational goals faster!

Students interested in being part of the Pirates' Promise cohort must meet the eligibility criteria: First-Time College Student and CA Resident or AB 540. Students who meet the eligibility criteria then need to complete the sign-up process:

1. Apply to OCC
2. Apply for FAFSA or CA Dream Act
3. Submit the Pirates' Promise Interest Form

The sign-up period is open on February 26, 2024 and closes on June 7, 2024. Students need to complete the sign-up requirements by June 7, 2024 in order to be considered part of the Pirates' Promise cohort. 

Students in the Pirates' Promise cohort must maintain a cumulative GPA above a 2.0. Students who receive a GPA below 2.0 will go into warning status. Students in warning status will have 1 semester to improve their status to maintain their eligibility. In addition, they will need to meet with a counselor to create an improvement plan.

Students who stay on warning for 2 semesters, will lose eligibility. 

Students in the Pirates' Promise cohort must maintain full time enrollment (12 units at OCC). Students who receive an accommodation plan from the ARC for less than 12 units will meet the full-time enrollment requirement. Students who drop below full-time enrollment will go into warning status. Students in warning status will have 1 semester to improve their status to maintain their eligibility. In addition, they will need to meet with a counselor to create an improvement plan.

Students who stay on warning for 2 semesters, will lose eligibility. 

Students who receive an accommodation plan from the ARC for less than 12 units will meet the full-time enrollment requirement. Please be sure to provide the Pirates' Promise team a copy of your plan, by emailing them at piratespromise@occ.cccd.edu. Remember, the program benefits are only for two years and will not be extended. 

No. They are two different things.

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is a fee waiver awarded through financial aid based on the information students entered on the FAFSA. CCPG waives the $46/unit enrollment fee for students.

Pirates' Promise is a comprehensive student success program with a financial component. To be part of the Pirates' Promise, students must sign up for the program. Even if you do not qualify for financial aid, students can be part of Pirates' Promise. 

Pirates' Promise will cover tuition fees during the primary terms - fall and spring - for two year for students in the cohort who meet the program requirements. Pirates' Promise does not cover the following non-tuition fees: student representation fee, student health fee, and college service charge.

No, unfortunately, Pirates' Promise does not apply for non-primary terms. Students in the Pirates' Promise cohort, who want to take courses during he summer term, need to cover the tuition fees.

Yes, all certificate programs are eligible under Pirates' Promise, including but not limited to OCC's Certificate of Achievement programs in Welding Technology, Residential Electrical, and Aviation Science.