LAUSD grads invited to attend WLAC – free

Seniors who graduate from Los Angeles Unified School District high schools this spring can attend West Los Angeles College tuition free in 2017-2018 regardless of their income, the community college announced recently.

An information session on how to apply, requirements and other benefits of the program will be held at West on Tuesday, April 16 at 6p.m.  Applications are due May 1.

Attending   West Los Angeles for free is made possible through a partnership with the L.A. College Promise program the city of Los Angeles, LAUSD, and the nine colleges that comprise the Los Angeles Community College District. L.A. College Promise “affords every student, irrespective of zip code or station in life, an opportunity to succeed and demonstrates the vital connection between an educated citizenry and a strong, functioning economy,” said LACCD Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez, Ph.D.

To qualify to participate in LA College Promise at West, applicants must:

• be a 2017 graduate of an LAUSD regular or charter school

• complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and/or a Fee Wavier application

• enroll at West full time (12 to 15 units) for 2017-2018

In addition to attending school tuition free for the first year, Promise students can receive the additional benefits of participating in a summer bridge program to make the transition from high school to college smoother, assistance with completing financial aid forms, priority registration for classes, success coaching and tutoring and a structured class schedule.

Some students will qualify for fee waivers and grants in their second year at West as well, the college said. For those who do not, West still offers affordable access to higher education at a cost of just $46 per unit for California residents.