Early Commitment to College
Early Commitment to College (ECC) became law through Senate Bill 890 introduced in 2008 by then Senator Jack Scott and sponsored by the Campaign for College Opportunity. It enjoyed broad-based bipartisan support and was passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger in September 2008.
ECC created a new tool for California school districts with the greatest levels of poverty to voluntarily motivate and support young people in middle school and high school to understand the opportunities available for them to pursue a higher education and access financial aid.
The proposal reflects two shared values – opportunity, by giving students a path to prepare themselves for education after high school and joint responsibility. Through the 1960 Master Plan for Higher Education, California established the principle that any student with the interest could pursue a college education in our state. ECC is a way for California to review that historic commitment, and for the first time, make it directly to students and families beginning in middle school.
Save Me a Spot in College Pledge
The legislation created the Save Me a Spot in College Pledge, to be signed by students and a parent or legal guardian. Students agree to:
1) Meet all graduation requirements to finish high school in California.
2) Take challenging coursework, which may include A-G and career tech classes.
3) Seek to achieve proficiency in math and in reading and writing in English.
4) Complete a FAFSA and apply for financial aid by March 2nd of their senior year.
5) Meet application and other requirements for university admission or enroll directly in community college soon after high school graduation.
In return, the state will provide the following opportunities:
1) A spot in a California Community College for the student to pursue career technical education, pursue a degree, or transfer to a four-year university.
2) A spot in the University of California or California State University provided the student meets the eligibility and admission requirements set by each system.
3) Financial aid for eligible students, as well as support to apply for the CalGrant and federal Pell Grant, which can both be used at a public or private college.
Current Implementation Efforts
The California Department of Education is responsible for the program in collaboration with higher education and financial aid agencies. Currently, ECC is being implemented in 119 school districts statewide, reaching more than 80,000 students statewide.