Nevada Promise Scholarship

Program Highlights

• Coverage: Pays the registration (tuition) fees at Nevada’s community colleges after other gift aid is applied. Students are responsible for special course fees and books.
• Participating institutions: College of Southern Nevada (CSN), Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), Western Nevada College (WNC), and Great Basin College (GBC).
• Eligibility window: Open to Nevada high school seniors (including public, private, charter, and home-schooled students) and GED completers younger than 20.
• Mentoring & Service: Requires two mentor meetings and at least eight hours of community service each program year.
• Renewability: Covers up to three academic years if students maintain 2.0 GPA, complete 20 community service hours annually, and continue full-time enrollment.

Why the Promise Matters in 2025

Nevada’s hospitality and tourism economy is diversifying into advanced manufacturing, clean energy, logistics, and healthcare. Employers need talent with associate degrees and certificates. The Nevada Promise Scholarship (NPS) is the state’s answer to the national “free community college” movement, ensuring tuition is not a barrier for recent graduates. In 2025, the Legislature maintained $35 million in funding and authorized colleges to expand high-demand programs such as EV maintenance, cybersecurity, and nursing. Enrollment in Promise programs now accounts for 45% of incoming freshmen at community colleges, with first-year retention at 72%.

Enhancements for the 2025 cohort include:

• Digital Service Tracking: A statewide portal now records community service hours with electronic supervisor signatures, reducing paperwork.
• Hybrid Mentoring: Students can complete one mentor meeting virtually, making it easier for rural or working students to connect with volunteers.
• Expanded Emergency Aid: Colleges set aside a portion of Promise funds to cover mandatory fees, textbooks, or transportation for students experiencing financial hardship.
• Dual Credit Alignment: High school dual enrollment students can satisfy orientation requirements through embedded college success modules.

Detailed Eligibility Requirements

1. Application Deadline: Submit the Nevada Promise Scholarship application by October 31 of senior year. Late applications are not accepted.
2. Mentor Meetings: Attend two mandatory mentor sessions between February and May. Mentors guide students through admissions steps, financial aid, and college life. Students who miss appointments must reschedule promptly.
3. FAFSA Completion: File FAFSA by March 1 and resolve verification requests by May 1. Students not eligible for federal aid must submit an alternative financial aid form provided by the college.
4. Community Service: Complete at least eight hours of community service by June 1 for the initial award. Eligible activities include volunteering at nonprofits, schools, hospitals, or community events. Paid work does not qualify.
5. College Admissions: Apply to the chosen community college, complete orientation, meet with advisors, and register for at least 12 credits by fall semester.
6. Residency: Students must be Nevada residents for tuition purposes. DACA recipients may qualify by completing the Nevada Affidavit for Non-Citizen Students and alternative aid form.

Step-by-Step Timeline

• August–October (Senior Year): Attend Promise information sessions hosted by your high school or community college. Submit the online application before October 31.
• November–January: Complete the Nevada Promise Workbook modules covering college success skills, budgeting, and academic planning. Sign up for orientation and mentoring sessions.
• January–March: File FAFSA with parental information (if dependent). Complete admissions steps, placement tests, and program-specific requirements.
• February–May: Attend two mentor meetings—one group orientation, one one-on-one or small group session. Use the service portal to register volunteer sites.
• By June 1: Finish at least eight community service hours and log them in the portal with supervisor verification. Ensure FAFSA verification is complete.
• July–August: Enroll in at least 12 credits, finalize payment arrangements for fees not covered by Promise, and attend kickoff events.

Maximizing Your Benefits

• Layer Additional Aid: Promise is last-dollar; scholarships from employers, civic groups, or institutions reduce the gap before Promise kicks in. Save excess Pell Grant funds for books or transportation.
• Choose High-Value Pathways: Programs in nursing, cybersecurity, HVAC, and welding have strong employer demand and apprenticeship opportunities. College advisors help align majors with labor market data.
• Utilize Dual Credit Momentum: Students with substantial dual credit can finish associate degrees in 12–18 months, freeing time to transfer or enter the workforce faster.
• Access Wraparound Support: Take advantage of tutoring centers, writing labs, mental health services, and food pantries. Promise coordinators can connect students to emergency aid when life events threaten enrollment.
• Consider Summer Enrollment: While Promise covers fall and spring tuition, Pell Grants can fund summer credits. Completing summer courses accelerates progress and maintains momentum.

Community Service and Mentoring Tips

• Plan Early: Identify volunteer sites by January. Popular placements (animal shelters, hospitals) fill quickly. Consider local governments, food banks, or online tutoring programs approved by the college.
• Integrate Career Goals: Choose service aligned with academic interests—for example, volunteer at STEM camps if pursuing engineering technology.
• Document Hours Promptly: Use the portal immediately after each shift. Supervisors receive automatic email links to verify hours.
• Build Mentor Relationships: Mentors include college staff, alumni, and industry professionals. Prepare questions about majors, time management, and career paths to maximize meetings.
• Fulfill Annual Requirements: Renewal requires 20 hours of service by July 1 and two mentor meetings. Set reminders each semester to avoid last-minute scrambles.

Maintaining Eligibility in College

• Full-Time Enrollment: Take at least 12 credits each fall and spring. Dropping below full-time may trigger repayment unless approved for extenuating circumstances.
• GPA Standards: Maintain a 2.0 GPA. Students falling below must appeal and follow an academic success plan. Tutoring and success workshops are mandatory for probationary students.
• Continuous Enrollment: Students can take approved leaves for military duty, medical issues, or religious missions. Notify the Promise office and submit documentation to pause requirements.
• Financial Aid Renewal: File FAFSA by April 1 each year and complete verification. Students without federal aid eligibility submit the alternative form annually.
• Fee Coverage: Promise covers registration fees only. Plan for technology fees, lab charges, and textbooks. Colleges offer payment plans, bookstore credits, and Open Educational Resources (OER) to reduce costs.

Transfer and Career Pathways

• 2+2 Agreements: Promise scholars who complete associate degrees can transfer to UNLV, UNR, or Nevada State University with junior status. Utilize transfer advisors to align courses with bachelor’s degree plans.
• Apprenticeships: Many programs partner with employers like Panasonic, Tesla, Switch, and Renown Health. Apprenticeships provide wages, experience, and often cover remaining educational expenses.
• Industry Credentials: Community colleges bundle industry certifications (CompTIA, AWS welding, NIMS machining) into degree plans. Earning credentials while in school boosts employability.
• Career Services: Attend job fairs, resume clinics, and mock interviews. Promise students receive priority access to internships arranged through Workforce Connections.

Case Study: Promise Scholar at TMCC

Maria, a Sparks High senior, applied by October 31 and met with a mentor who worked in renewable energy. She volunteered 20 hours at a local food bank, exceeding the requirement. After Pell Grants and a $1,000 community scholarship, Promise covered her remaining tuition at TMCC. Maria joined the Manufacturing Technician program, leveraging an apprenticeship with Panasonic Energy. She maintains a 3.4 GPA, completes 20 service hours annually by mentoring robotics teams, and plans to transfer to UNR’s engineering program with minimal debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Promise cover textbooks or housing? No. Students must budget for textbooks, supplies, and fees. Colleges provide lists of affordable resources, OER textbooks, and emergency grants.

Can I change majors or colleges? Yes. Submit transfer forms through your college’s Promise office and ensure you remain enrolled full-time. Meet with advisors to understand how credits apply to the new program.

What if I miss a deadline? Missing application, mentor, FAFSA, or service deadlines typically disqualifies you for that year. However, students can reapply for the next cohort or appeal if a documented emergency occurred.

Are undocumented or DACA students eligible? DACA students can participate by submitting the alternative financial aid form and Nevada residency affidavit. Undocumented students without DACA currently do not qualify due to statutory requirements.

How long can I receive the scholarship? Up to three consecutive academic years. Students completing associate degrees sooner can use unused eligibility for certificate upgrades or additional workforce training if approved.

The Nevada Promise Scholarship delivers a structured, supportive path to tuition-free community college. By following deadlines, engaging with mentors, and completing community service, Nevada students can earn credentials that launch well-paying careers or lead to university transfer opportunities without accumulating tuition debt.