Council approves Clear Lake Promise agreement with Woodland Community College

The Clear Lake City Council approved an agreement with Woodland Community College on Dec. 2 to launch the Clear Lake Promise program, a two‑part initiative that includes a fee‑free first year for eligible recent high‑school graduates and a scholarship program in the second year to cover transportation, textbooks and auxiliary fees.

Dr. Cirilo Cortez, dean of the Lake County campus, said the 12‑month eligibility window after high‑school graduation is intended to encourage immediate enrollment and improve degree and credential completion rates. "The 12 month is intended...to work with our youth, being, graduating from high school within the city to take advantage of the opportunity of a higher education," Cortez said.

Woodland Community College President Arturo Pimentel told the council the program model is effective in supporting continuous education and increasing access. The council voted to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement; members praised the program and urged staff to begin outreach and promotion to maximize takeup.