The San Diego Promise began as a pilot program in 2016. With the passage of the California College Promise program providing free tuition for one year at select California community colleges, the San Diego Promise supports full-time students into their second year to attend City College, Mesa College, or Miramar College. Students need to be state residents and attend state high schools, but do not need to meet merit or income criteria. The program is funded by local foundations, school district, and the San Diego Community College District.