Programs worth knowing about

Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College run programs that save local families real money, and most people in Area 4 have never heard of them. Two cover enrollment fees for students starting college. Others train people for careers, care for young children, support veterans and military families, and teach older adults. I put them here because people keep asking, and because this information should be easy to find whether or not you ever vote for me.

Program details on this page were read from each college's own website on October 20, 2026. Rankings are dated to the day each study was published. Programs, fees, and office hours change. Call the office before you plan around anything here. Every source is linked at the bottom of this page.

Starting college

Both colleges cover two years of enrollment fees for eligible first-time students. California community colleges charge an enrollment fee per unit rather than tuition, and these programs pay it.

Saddleback College Promise Program

Covers two consecutive years of registration costs, summer excluded, regardless of family income. That includes the enrollment fee of $46 per unit, the student health fee, the student representation fee, the Associated Student Body (ASB) stamp, and material fees charged at registration.

You qualify as a first-time college student even if you took dual or concurrent enrollment classes in high school. You need to be a California resident or eligible under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), list Saddleback as your college of record, file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application, and enroll full time at 12 or more units including transfer-level math and English. Students with accommodations through Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) may enroll in fewer units.

Saddleback's page carried Fall 2026 information when I read it on October 20, 2026. Confirm the fee and the deadlines for the term you plan to start.

Irvine Valley Promise

Covers two years of enrollment fees for fall and spring semesters, plus the health fee and the Associated Students of Irvine Valley College (ASIVC) fee. You need to complete Irvine Valley College's enrollment and pre-registration steps, file a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, and enroll in at least 12 units.

Apply early. Irvine Valley Promise is first come, first served, and participation depends on program capacity and funding. Saddleback's program has no such cap.

Training for a career

Both colleges train people for work, not only for transfer. A certificate here costs a fraction of what the same training costs elsewhere, and it is taught by people who did the job.

Saddleback College offers nursing and certified nursing assistant programs, paramedic and emergency medical training, automotive technology including an electric vehicle technician certificate, and culinary arts, alongside dozens of other certificates and degrees.

Irvine Valley College runs an Electrical Technology program built around wiring systems, solar systems, and safety.

Child care

Saddleback College Child Development Center

Serves children from 18 months through entrance into kindergarten, on a three day or five day schedule, in toddler, young preschool, and preschool programs.

Saddleback College students get priority registration. Remaining spaces go to staff, faculty, and community members, so you do not have to be a student to apply. Fees apply. Ask about current rates and schedules when you call, and ask for a tour.

Veterans and military families

Both colleges keep staff dedicated to military-connected students, and both help with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, including the GI Bill. If you served, ask about college credit for your military service and training. Most people never think to ask.

Saddleback College Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS)

Serves student veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and military-connected family members, with veteran-specific counseling, scholarship and financial aid guidance, and a student veterans club the college lists as the 2025 Student Veterans of America Chapter of the Year.

Credit for military service. Six semester units of general elective credit toward an associate degree for a minimum of one year of active honorable service, and up to 30 semester units for military service schools beyond basic training. Credit is evaluated after you complete 12 units in residence.

Irvine Valley College Veterans Services Center (VSC)

A one-stop center staffed by a director, veterans counselors, and a VA School Certifying Official. The college states it has held the Military Friendly School designation for more than 15 years.

For older adults

The Emeritus Institute runs classes designed for older adults at both colleges. These are real college courses taught to college standards. They do not apply toward a degree, and that is the point. People take them because they want to learn something.

Saddleback College Emeritus Institute

Classes are tuition-free. More than 30 disciplines, including arts, sciences, history, health, and technology, offered at sites throughout South Orange County and online. A small parking fee applies on campus.

If you have never enrolled, or have been away two or more semesters, start with the online application and watch for an email from the admissions office. Continuing students register directly. In-person help is available at the Gateway Building, room 158.

Irvine Valley College Emeritus Institute

Courses built for intellectual and personal growth, taught to the college's academic standards and not applied toward a degree. Registration opens three times a year, for fall, spring, and summer.

New and returning students apply online. Current students register through MySite. For help with MySite, call Admissions and Records at (949) 451-5220.

Where this comes from

Paid for by John Black for College Board 2026, FPPC ID# 1494646, 3843 S. Bristol St. #604, Santa Ana, CA 92704.