Community Grant

Young man holding money
Two Years of Free College for Class of 2025

The WVC Community Grant and Viking Promise provide 2025 high school graduates two years of free tuition and fees, plus additional funds that can be used for textbooks, transportation, or other expenses.

Scroll down to review the full list of eligibility requirements that must be completed, including attending an orientation, submitting a FAFSA/Dream Act Application (with West Valley College in the list of colleges), meeting with a counselor and enrolling in 12 units.

NOTE: Funding is limited and is awarded based on who completes the requirements first! Don’t delay as we will be awarding winners starting in April at the first EA Orientation.

You do not need to apply for the Community Grant. All 2025 grads will automatically be considered for this funding!


Benefits
Grant Amount Purpose
Community Grant (First Year) Up to $1,000 per semester* For tuition, textbooks, and transportation
Viking Promise (Second Year) Up to $1,000 per semester* For tuition, textbooks, and transportation
Successful Community Grant recipients are eligible.

*Amount may vary depending on state funding.


Eligibility
  • Class of 2025 high school graduate from a California high school or equivalent
  • California Resident/ AB 540

Requirements
  1. Complete the CCC Apply and West Valley College Application.
  2. Complete a 2025-2026 FAFSA or CA Dream Act.
    • This program has no income requirement, but all students must submit a financial aid application.
  3. Complete the Guided Self-Placement.
  4. Complete the West Valley Welcome Pre-Orientation (opens mid-April).
  5. Register for and attend one of the following Orientations:
  6. Meet with a counselor to create an Educational Plan. (NOTE: This automatically happens during the Orientation process. You do not need to setup a special meeting with a counselor.)
  7. Maintain a minimum of 12 West Valley units each semester (or 9 units if participating in the DESP program and submitted an "Eligible for Unit Reduction" form).
    • This grant does not cover Mission college courses.
  8. Maintain a GPA of 2.0+ each semester.

  • Funding is limited; all grants are on a first come, first served basis.
  • All students must declare a major or eligible program at West Valley College.
  • Students eligible for Enrollment Fee Grant, are eligible up to $400.
  • Students in DESP can submit a Unit Reduction Sheet to enroll in 9 units and remain eligible for the grants. Contact a DESP Counselor for details.
  • DESP students enrolled in 9 units eligible with Enrollment Fee Grant, are eligible up to $550.
  • All Community Grant, First Year & Second Year Viking recipients must successfully complete 12 WVC units each semester.
  • Eligibility for Spring 2025 awarding will be based on successful completion of Fall 2025 grades, maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and maintaining full-time enrollment at WVC.
  • Units from other colleges cannot be combined with West Valley units to meet eligibility. This includes Mission College. All 12 units must be completed at West Valley.
  • The Community Grant, First Year Viking and Second Year Viking Program will not pay Winter or Summer fees. Students are responsible to pay the balance for all courses enrolled in Winter and Summer sessions.
  • Community Grant and First Year Viking recipients will be invited to join a "Community Huddle" counseling workshop to support them in their transition. Students will receive details and invitation via email.
  • We understand there may be unforeseen circumstances beyond students' control that may have caused them to lose their grant eligibility. We have created an Appeals Process for students to share their circumstances with the Community Grant & Viking Program Appeals Committee. Students may have the opportunity to submit an Appeal at the beginning of Fall 2025, once we open that year's awarding cycle. Please refer to the Current Students tab to view the form and updates on the Appeal Process.