Please read "How Do I Apply" below carefully! Your application will be denied if you fail to meet all requirements.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter at home orders, the Financial Aid/EOPS/Veterans Services Office is closed to face-to-face contact. Staff are telecommuting from home, so please use the email and phone contacts listed at the bottom of this page if you have questions concerning the NVC Promise Program. Email and voicemail messages will be returned within 24-72 hours (time varies due to telecommuting delays). Thank you for your understanding.
NVC Promise Application Processing Time is 6-8 weeks during Peak Periods (May-Sept)
What is the NVC PROMISE?
The Napa Valley College (NVC) Promise is now a 2 year program that pays tuition and fees at Napa Valley College for students, regardless of family income, who:
- Are full-time, first-time freshman students who attend NVC in their first year after high school graduation; or
- Are full-time, second-year students who attended a California Community College full-time during the previous academic year as a first-time freshman as stated above.
Students who attended College as a high school student (dual-enrolled) are considered to be first-time freshmen in their first-year of College after high school graduation and are eligible for this program.
The NVC Promise provides the following benefits for the first year (and second year if qualified):
Grant and/or Scholarship to pay covered tuition and fees.
Reduced cost parking permits.
Exemption from the Pay-to-Stay requirement.
How is the first year defined?
The first year for the NVC Promise is defined as the Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters of the academic year immediately following a student's graduation from high school.
Example: Students who graduated from high school in the 2019-2020 academic year would experience their first year of College in the Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters of the 2020-2021 academic year.
“One academic year” means the total of the summer term that immediately precedes the first semester or quarter of the fall term, and the two consecutive semesters or three quarters that immediately follow that summer term (AB 19 Section 76396.3(c)(2))
How is the second year defined?
The second year for the NVC Promise is defined as the Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters of the academic year immediately following the student's first year after high school graduation.
Example: Students who graduated from high school during the 2018-2019 academic year and attended College in the 2019-2020 academic year, would experience their second year of College during the
2020-2021 academic year.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply for the NVC Promise.
During the 2 previous academic years:
You graduated from High School; or
You completed your GED; or
You earned your high school diploma through Adult Education; and
- You have not already earned an Associate Degree or higher; and
You submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA for Dreamers) for the current academic year; and
For a first-time freshmen, you are (or will be) enrolled at Napa Valley College as a full-time student in the Summer (optional), Fall and/or Spring semesters during the academic year immediately following your graduation from high school. To be considered full-time, you must be enrolled in 12 or more units in each semester you want the NVC Promise to cover your fees.
For a second-year student, you must meet the criteria as a first-time freshman during the prior academic year at any California Community College. You must have maintained full-time (12 or more units) enrollment during the Fall and Spring semesters in that first year, and have achieved a cumulative 2.0 GPA (C grades or better) by the end of the Spring semester. Students who did not attend NVC during their first year will be required to submit official academic transcripts from their high-school and prior California Community College(s) to verify first-time, full-time enrollment.
Veterans who entered the U.S. Military immediately after high school, but are now attending as a first-time freshman, or second year student as described above may also qualify for this program. Contact the Veterans Services Specialist in the Financial Aid/EOPS/Veterans Services Office for more information.
First-time applicants must complete ALL STEPS (see below).
Second-year students, who received a NVC Promise Scholarship in their first year, must reapply for a second year by completing Steps 2, 4, and 6 (must meet second-year student criteria above to apply).
Read instructions carefully as incomplete or invalid applications will be denied.
What does it cover?
The NVC Promise will pay the full cost of covered fees for the summer, fall, and spring semesters (if enrolled full-time for the semester) and a portion of the of the cost for fall and spring parking permits at Napa Valley College for credit programs. In addition, eligible Promise students will be exempt from the Pay-to-Stay requirement during their first year, so they won't have to worry about being dropped from their classes for non-payment. However, the Pay-to-Stay exemption will not be approved until all required steps (see "How Do I Apply" below) are completed and processed by the Financial Aid/EOPS/Veterans Services Office. Eligible students will receive a "Congratulations!" email in their NVC Student Email account. An example of the fees covered by the NVC Promise is shown in the table below. The NVC Promise does not cover the Napa Valley Cooking School.
NVC Promise - Covered Fees Example
Table 1
Enrollment Fees $46 per unit |
$552 |
$552 |
$552 |
$1,656 |
|---|
Accident Insurance $1 each semester |
$1 |
$1 |
$1 |
$3 |
|---|
Student Health Fee
$17 Fall and Spring | $10
| $20
| $20
| $50
|
|---|
Student Representation Fee $1 each semester | $2
| $2
| $2
| $6
|
|---|
Student Activities Fee $5 Fall and Spring | --
| $5 | $5 | $10 |
|---|
Student Technology Fee $10 Fall and Spring | --
| $10 | $10 | $20 |
|---|
*Course Lab/Material Fee (restrictions apply)
| Up to $300 | Up to $300
| Up to $300
| Up to $900
|
|---|
Parking Permit Discount | $0 Discount
(Student pays $16) | $12 Discount
(Student pays $20) | $12 Discount
(Student pays $20) | $24 Discount Total
|
|---|
*Course lab/material fee is not covered for the Police Academy
NOTE: Course books, supplies, and costs for online access are not covered by the NVC Promise Program.How Do I Apply?
Complete ALL of the NVC Promise steps below. If you have already completed a step, you may skip that step and continue to the next step. You may be asked to submit additional documents to verify your eligibility.
Academic Year 2020-2021 Application deadline - april 2, 2021
ACADEMIC YEAR 2021-2022 APPLICATION AVAILABLE now
Click on the blue text to open the links.
First-time applicants must complete ALL STEPS (see below).
Second-year students, who received a NVC Promise Scholarship in their first year, must reapply for a second year by completing Steps 2, 4, and 6 (must meet "Who is eligible to apply?" second-year student criteria above).
Read instructions carefully as incomplete or invalid applications will be denied.
NVC Promise STEP 1: Apply to Napa Valley College (if you have not yet applied)
Click on the underlined link above. You'll
begin the online admission application by creating an OpenCCC account.
During the application process you'll be asked for your intended major
and an educational goal, along with some basic personal, educational and
residency information.
After you apply, check your email for
your Napa Valley College Congratulations Letter, which contains your NVC
Student ID Number, NVC student email account, information regarding
orientation, and login information for WebAdvisor, Canvas, and Office
365.
NVC Promise STEP 2: Complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application
The NVC Promise provides grants and/or scholarships to qualifying students. Your family's income does not matter when you apply for the NVC Promise, but all families, regardless of income,
are required to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
OR the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) as part of the NVC Promise application process. Use the Napa Valley College school code 001247 on your application for the school you will attend. Click on a link below to submit an online application.
2020-2021 Academic Year (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021)
- If you are a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen (not DACA), submit the FAFSA:
- If you are DACA, AB540 eligible, undocumented, or under-documented, submit the CADAA:
2021-2022 Academic Year (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022)
- If you are a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen (not DACA), submit the FAFSA:
- If you are DACA, AB540 eligible, undocumented, or under-documented, submit the CADAA:
NVC Promise STEP 3: Complete the Steps to Successfully Enroll as a New Student
NVC Promise STEP 4: Complete the Online NVC Promise Scholarship Application
Note: The FAFSA or CADAA must be submitted before you submit the NVC Promise Scholarship Application or your application may be denied.
- Enter your legal name and NVC Student email address to open the application.
- Complete all sections, sign, and then click FINISH to submit your application for processing.
- If you are unable to complete your application, click on "Other Actions" and then choose finish later. You will receive a DocuSign email with a link back to your unfinished application for use later. Do not click on this link again or you will open a new application.
- You will receive a DocuSign email stating your application is complete once it is PROCESSED by the NVC Promise Program. However, you will receive a DocuSign email with a copy of your "In Process" application so you know it was received by the Financial Aid Office.
- Applications are processed by date received and may take up to 8 weeks processing time during peak periods. Your completed application must be reviewed and all eligibility requirements verified before the NVC Promise Program can determine your eligibility.
- Check your NVC student email regularly for information about your application status and eligibility. To access your NVC student email, go to MyNVC Login, click on Office 365 (not Canvas), and open the Outlook App to access your NVC student email inbox.
- Approximately one week (7 days) after submitting your application, you may check your application status by logging into WebAdvisor, then clicking on Financial Aid Self-Service, Required Documents.
NVC Promise STEP 5: Verification of High School Graduation (if requested)
If the NVC Promise Program is unable to verify your high school graduation prior to the start of the Fall semester, you will be asked to submit a copy of your high school diploma, GED, or equivalency. You may submit verification of high school graduation by attaching a picture or digital copy to the online Verification of High School Graduation form. Click on the link above to open the form. If you cannot verify your high school graduation status when asked, you will be ineligible for the NVC Promise Program.
NVC Promise STEP 6: Register/Enroll in Classes as a Full-Time Student
You must enroll full-time each semester during your first year as a college student to qualify for the NVC Promise. If enrolled less-than full-time in a semester, you will be ineligible for that semester. Full-time is defined as:
12 or more units per semester (including summer, for NVC Promise only).
DSPS Students Only: If you are (or will be) enrolled in less than 12 units under a DSPS approved full-time unit load reduction for Fall and/or Spring, you must submit a Certification of DSPS Full-Time Unit Load Reduction form.
Complete your
class registration through the WebAdvisor system, available up to
midnight before the first day of classes. Register according to your A-G priority registration date. If you wait to register once the class has started, you will
need an Add Code from your instructor to register. Late start classes
have different registration dates. Please refer to the Admissions and Records website and select the Priority Registration link.
NVC Promise STEP 7: Pay Fees Not Covered by the NVC Promise
When you apply for the NVC Promise, you are still required to pay your fees within the Pay to Stay grace period until you receive a NVC Promise Scholarship award and CONGRATULATIONS email. Once approved for the NVC Promise, you will be exempt from the Pay-to-Stay requirement during your first year, but will still be required to pay any fees not covered by the NVC Promise before the end of the semester. To check your student account for unpaid fees not covered by the NVC Promise, login to WebAdvisor, click on the Financial Aid Self Service link, and then click on the Student Finance option in Self Service.
The NVC Promise Program will only pay covered fees that are listed in Table 1. For a complete listing of fees you are required to pay and instructions on how to "opt out' of optional fees, please review the NVC Fee and Refund page. You are required to pay for any books, supplies, online access fees, or other costs required by the course.
How will I know if I'm eligible?
The average application processing time during peak periods (May-September) is 6-8 weeks. You may view your NVC Promise application status in Financial Aid Self Service under the "Complete Required Documents" link. To access Financial Aid Self Service, login to WebAdvisor and then click the Financial Aid Self Service link.
You must meet the eligibility requirements listed under "Who is eligible to apply?" and complete the NVC PROMISE STEPS 1-5 listed under "How Do I Apply? " in order to be considered for the NVC Promise Program. You will be notified of your eligibility through your NVC student email once your application is processed.
- If you are eligible you will receive a "Congratulations!" email in your NVC student email inbox. The email will include important information you need to know about your NVC Promise award. You may view your NVC Promise Scholarship award in Financial Aid Self-Service by clicking on the "Review and accept your Financial Aid Award Package" link.
- If you are not eligible a denial email will be sent to your NVC student email stating why you were denied. If the denial was based on a reason that can be corrected, you may submit a new NVC Promise Scholarship Application once you have met the requirements.
When Will Covered Fees Be Paid?
Covered fees will be paid to your student account on the following dates:
- October 9, 2020 - Fall 2020
- March 12, 2021 - Spring 2021
If you drop below 12 units before payment is made, you will be ineligible for payment for that semester. If you drop below 12 units (Fall and Spring only) at any time during your first year, you will be ineligible for a second year renewal.
If you paid your fees before being approved for the NVC Promise, you may be eligible to receive a refund. Parking fees are not refundable. Fees will not be refunded until after your enrollment status is verified and the NVC Promise is applied to your student account.
If you are eligible for a refund, any unpaid fees on your student account will be deducted from the refund before it is processed for payment by the Business Office. Fees paid by credit card will be refunded to the credit card used (if within 180 days of use).
What must I do to remain eligible for the NVC Promise?
Once you are approved for the NVC Promise program, you must enroll full-time (12 or more units) in the Fall and Spring semesters and achieve a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (C grades or better) by the end of the Spring semester of your first year. If you are enrolled full-time in only one semester, the NVC Promise will only apply to that semester.
To qualify for a SECOND YEAR, you must:
- Submit a new FAFSA or CADAA and NVC Promise Scholarship Application for the appropriate academic year; AND
- Maintain full-time enrollment in both the fall and spring semesters during your first year; AND
- Achieve a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA by the end of the Spring semester of your first year.
If you were a mid-year high school graduate and your first year in College began with the Spring semester, you must maintain full-time enrollment in that Spring semester and achieve a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to qualify to apply for a Second Year.
I had to withdraw from classes in Spring 2020 due to reasons related to COVID-19. Will that affect my 2nd year eligibility?
If you were unable to maintain full-time enrollment in the Spring 2020 semester due to reasons related to COVID-19, you may still qualify for a Second Year renewal if you meet the following criteria:
- You maintained full-time enrollment in the Fall 2019 semester; AND
- You achieved a minimum 2.0 GPA
Who do I contact if I have questions about the NVC Promise?
Contact the Financial Aid/EOPS/Veterans Services Office if you have questions about the NVC Promise.
In Person By Phone By Email
Building 1100, Room 1132 (707) 256-7303 NVC.Promise@napavalley.edu
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter at home orders, the Financial Aid/EOPS/Veterans Services and NVC Promise Office is closed to face-to-face contact. If you have questions, please call or email us.
Click here for regular office hours and appointments times.
FAQ's
How much is the NVC Promise worth?
The value of the NVC Promise depends on the number of units enrolled. The NVC
Promise will pay covered fees for each semester the student is enrolled full-time during their first year in College after high school graduation. See Table 1 for an example of covered costs. Funds may be limited, so read the instructions carefully and apply early. Incomplete or invalid applications will be denied.
Are books covered?
No, not at this time.
Are course material fees or lab fees covered?
Yes, with exceptions. See Table 1 for covered fees.
How will fees be paid?
Covered fees will be paid directly to your NVC Student Account on a specific date each semester (see "When Will Covered Fees Be Paid" above).
Will the NVC Promise cover enrollment in more than 12 units?
Yes.
How long is the NVC Promise good for?
The NVC Promise applies to the first year (Summer, Fall, Spring) after high school graduation.
Students may qualify for a second year renewal if they maintain full-time enrollment in the first year and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
Students who graduate mid-year (by December 31st) must enroll FT in the spring semester immediately following high school graduation in order to qualify for a second year.
Can I begin in Spring and still be eligible?
Yes. For the Spring semester only.
If you graduated from high school before the fall semester began, but opted to take the fall semester off, you will not be eligible for a second year NVC Promise.
If you graduated from high school after the fall semester began, and then enroll FT in the Spring, you will qualify for a second year NVC Promise.
What if I drop below 12 units?
Your enrollment will be checked prior to the date covered fees will be paid each semester (see "When Will Covered Fees Be Paid" above for dates). If you are enrolled in 12 or more units at that time, you will remain eligible for the entire semester.
If you drop below 12 units before your covered fees are paid, you will ineligible for the NVC Promise Scholarship and will be responsible for paying ALL fees for the semester yourself.
If you are enrolled in a late-start course that begins after the semester census date, you are required to attend that course when it begins. If you fail to attend any course enrolled, those units will be removed from your enrollment status and you may become ineligible for the NVC Promise for the semester. You will then be responsible for paying all previously covered fees for that semester.
If you fail to maintain 12 units each fall and spring semester in your first year, you will be ineligible for a second year.