>> Many of us take for granted
that our children will have a chance to attend college.
But for many kids in the San Bernardino region,
the expense of college is one obstacle
that stands in their way.
Valley Bound Commitment removes that financial barrier
by providing a free first year
at San Bernardino Valley College.
[ Music ]
>> I just thought, wow, you know,
he sounds pretty motivated now
after hearing about this program.
>> Obviously friends growing up didn't think I was going
to make it and proved everybody wrong.
>> I came to San Bernardino Valley College
as a new president, and three things struck me
when I moved to this area.
One is the dire straits that the community was in economically.
And the second thing is the high high school dropout rate
in the area and to go along with that,
also the very low college going rate.
And so how do you impact that?
How do you change that kind of cycle?
>> The Valley Bound Commitment program covers all enrollment
fees and textbooks for a participating student
in their first full year at San Bernardino College.
By taking away economic barriers to education,
the student can focus on their studies
and build a platform for future success.
>> We as people say, are the future.
So if people invest in us,
we will help support the future and we get brighter.
My point of view was always I always wanted
to do something better for myself, not only for myself
but even for my community.
I am someone who can say I was from culture
and I did come from successful.
And that's what I want to show to other people.
>> Our teachers, administrators, they also understand the value
of an education and they want the best for our students.
And so they're really encouraging
that students should apply to Valley Bound.
>> I think the best thing about this program is
that students are being able to fulfill their dream.
Yes, the students are getting a free education the first year,
but they're also being able to reach their goals.
And some of these students have goals
that require a college education.
>> The program is funded
by the San Bernardino Valley College Foundation entirely
through support from individual and community donations,
as well as grant funding.
>> Being in the Valley Bound Commitment program,
it has made it way easier because they pay for everything
and all they ask for you is to give back to the community
and just have good grades and have a 2.0.
So it was really good for me.
>> Community is very important to Valley Bound Commitment,
because the community helps us get to where we need to.
If it wasn't for the community
of San Bernardino I probably wouldn't be here.
I don't know what I would be doing, and I feel a sense
of obligation to give back to my community.
>> The Valley Bound Commitment program is changing lives
and strengthening our community one family at a time.
By tearing down the obstacles to get to college, we are building
up the next generation of leaders for future success.
>> Thank you, Valley Bound Community!
[ Applause ]