Grant Information

FIRST Program Criteria

To remain active in the FIRST Program and qualify for program incentives, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Enrollment: Students must be currently enrolled at El Camino College and actively participating in the FIRST Program.
2. Counseling: Students must meet with a FIRST-designated counselor twice per semester-once near the beggining of the semester and again towards the end- for academic planning, progress, transfer planning, or other student success needs.
   Already meeting with another campus program counselor? That can count! If you're a part of special programs such as EOP, Guardian Scholars, Veterans, CARES CalWORKs, FYE, Puente, Umoja, MANA, etc and are meeting with their counselors regarding educational planning, this meets our grant criteria! Please communicate with our front desk to receive points. We will not give points if our front desk is not aware. Fall 2026 Counseling Appointment Deadline: November 25, 2026
3. Workshops: Students must attend at least two FIRST workshops per semester.
4. Financial Aid & Academic Progress: Students must complete their FAFSA application and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Students experiencing academic challenges are encouraged to meet with FIRST staff and a counselor.
5. New Students: New students must attend FIRST New Student Orientation and complete the FIRST Passport.
6. Continuing Students: Continuing students must pick up FIRST Passport from FIRST Center and participate in FIRST activities and services throughout the semester.

Program Incentives

Students who meet the required participation criteria may qualify for a semester-end grant or  FIRST Program limited edition swag. Grant eligibility is limited to students who are formerly incarcerated and meet the program's applicable eligibility requirements.

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9am-4pm

Office Location: Office moved upstairs to Room 305 of the Communications Building