The North Orange County Community College District is pleased to announce that it was selected by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) to be one of ten Districts in the state to receive funds for the Hire UP Pilot Program. Students at both Cypress College and Fullerton College will receive stipends.

Designed to create more accessible and equitable educational opportunities for formerly incarcerated students, the Hire UP program will allot $2.6 million in funding to NOCCCD to be distributed to eligible candidates to help them meet the true cost of college attendance and gain clear access to credential programs and workforce support.

"We are excited to participate in this vital program," said Dr. Cynthia Olivo, president of Fullerton College. "This is more than just financial assistance. This will enable our college to empower our students and help them overcome challenges that would otherwise derail their educational goals."

These funds are designated for Cypress College and Fullerton College students who are part of the Rising Scholars Network, are current California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) participants, or are former foster youth. Qualified students will receive financial support in the form of regular stipends based on their enrollment hours.

Hire UP is a five-year Pilot Program established by the CCCCO. Funding from Hire UP will come to NOCCCD in two equal payments of $1,320,000 for each fiscal year. Those funds will be divided with Cypress College receiving $555,440 for the 2023-24 fiscal year, and Fullerton College receiving $769,560.