Santa Barbara, Calif. – As the fall term begins, Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is rolling out several initiatives to help first‑year students adjust to college life and prepare for a changing job market. The college emphasizes practical support, from free tutoring to a tuition‑free two‑year Promise Program, and a new mobile app designed to simplify campus navigation.
Student‑run support on the first day
Student trustee Solea Heredia staffed an information table on campus, acknowledging that many newcomers feel uncertain. “Everyone is a little bit lost on the first day and that is why we are here,” Heredia said. She answered questions, guided students to their classrooms, and highlighted the college’s tutoring resources.
Heredia, who also tutors biology courses, praised the existing tutoring program: “Our tutoring programming here on campus is amazing. I have tutored a few classes myself in the biology department. I have attended tutoring for almost every single class I have taken.”
Promise Program eases financial pressure
Local high‑school graduates entering SBCC benefit from the Promise Program, which covers textbooks and tuition for the first two years. The assistance removes a significant financial burden for families. SBCC President Dr. Erika Endrijonas explained, “We also help them make better financial choices going forward because they don’t have to carry debt for the first two years of their education.”
Andres Razo, a student planning to study marketing, said the aid will make a real difference: “I was a little worried but I was surprised that I actually got it because I was able to purchase my stuff at the store.”
NeoQuad app guides students around campus
SBCC has introduced NeoQuad, a new mobile application that not only shows where classes are located but also helps students discover clubs and campus events. Communications Director Jorden Killabrew noted, “Our campus can be a little difficult to find things, and students can just type in a course or a class they are looking for and it will take them right there.”
Co‑inventor Ervin Young added, “From many, many students we have heard that they just blossomed when they discovered their first club and made friends, and that is something that we want to inspire students to do.” The app provides walking routes and estimated travel times, similar to a driving navigation tool, making it easier for newcomers to move between buildings.
Preparing for a flexible job market
College leaders stress the importance of adaptability as the job market evolves. Dr. Endrijonas encouraged students to think broadly: “Think about other types so that you are more of a contingency planner. If one avenue doesn’t work out, another one will probably work out for you.”
The college also offers adult‑education classes for community members looking to pivot careers or acquire new skills for personal or professional reasons.
Student perspectives
Brianna Ramirez, a recent high‑school graduate now attending SBCC, said, “We are already meeting a lot of new people and people are very welcoming here.” She added, “I was scared that teachers were not going to be very understanding and college was going to be more independent, but he seems to be very understanding and I am thankful for that.”
Overall, SBCC’s combination of tuition assistance, tutoring, and technology aims to give students a solid start, reduce financial strain, and foster a supportive campus community.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
