SJCC, Boys & Girls Clubs launch tuition-free college pathway for East San José students

San José City College and Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley have launched a pilot program that will steer 30 eligible East San José high school graduates into SJCC's Promise and First-Year Experience programs starting in Fall 2026. The yearlong effort is designed to cut cost and travel barriers while expanding direct college access for students from disproportionately impacted neighborhoods.

Why it matters: - San José City College and Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley are trying to move East San José students from high school into college through a direct, tuition-free pathway. - The pilot is aimed at students from neighborhoods that have faced disproportionate barriers to college access, including Overfelt, Mayfair, Santee and Seven Trees. - The partnership ties college enrollment to support services, career exposure and on-the-ground guidance.

What happened: - San José City College and Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley launched a new college-pathway partnership under a memorandum of understanding. - Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley will recruit and refer 30 eligible high school graduates to enroll full time at SJCC beginning in Fall 2026. - The students will enter SJCC's First-Year Experience and Promise programs. - The pilot runs from Aug. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. - SJCC and BGCSV officials said they hope early results from the cohort will support future expansion.

The details: - SJCC's Promise program offers tuition-free enrollment for eligible students who commit to full-time, credit-bearing coursework. - SJCC will schedule a career-focused guidance course at a BGCSV site in East San José this fall. - A second course is planned for Spring 2027. - BGCSV will provide classroom space and technology for the pilot. - BGCSV will also connect students to internships, industry panels and career-development opportunities through its network of industry partners. - SJCC will support the cohort with registration, financial aid, matriculation, orientation and onboarding. - SJCC will also provide academic counseling, educational planning and tutoring referrals. - SJCC will give BGCSV funding to help cover classroom space and staff coordination. - Both organizations will assign liaisons who will meet monthly to coordinate scheduling and track student progress and outcomes. - Dr. Marilyn Flores, president of San José City College, said the partnership is intended to "open a direct door to college." - Mark Washbush, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley, said the effort is meant to remove barriers such as cost and travel.

Between the lines: - The partnership extends SJCC's Discover Your SPOT enrollment strategy, which focuses on reaching prospective students in their communities instead of waiting for them to come to campus. - The model combines recruitment, tuition support and wraparound services in one pipeline, which may make enrollment easier for students who might not otherwise take the next step after high school. - BGCSV's role suggests the club can function as both a trusted community hub and a delivery site for college programming.

What's next: - SJCC and BGCSV will begin the pilot with the first cohort in Fall 2026. - The organizations will monitor student participation, progress and outcomes throughout the year. - Early results will help determine whether the program expands beyond the pilot phase. - SJCC also has additional information at sjcc.edu. - BGCSV lists program information at more information.