Citrus College highlights tuition-free Promise, expanded nursing slots and dual-enrollment gains with Azusa Unified
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Summary
Citrus College representatives briefed the Azusa Unified board on expanded nursing enrollment (from 30 to 120 slots), tuition-free Promise program access for two years, and strong dual-enrollment participation by Azusa students; the partnership earned a state exemplary dual-enrollment award.
Citrus College officials updated the Azusa Unified School District board on March 10 about local postsecondary pathways and program growth.
Dr. Schultz (introduced by a Citrus colleague) described the Promise program that provides two years tuition-free for eligible first-time college students and highlighted a recent expansion in nursing education: after state approval Citrus increased its associate-degree nursing cohort from 30 to 120 students annually. "We just announced that we're expanding our associate degree in nursing program so that we can prepare more graduates for successful health careers," Citrus representative Anthony Contreras said.
The presenters also described dual-enrollment activity with Azusa Unified: during the 2024-25 academic year there were 1,463 Azusa Unified student enrollments in Citrus dual-enrollment courses. Citrus reported 266 current dual-enrollment high school students from Azusa Unified for spring 2026 and noted the district received a 2025-26 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award.
Citrus additionally summarized an economic-impact study that attributed roughly $974.2 million in regional economic activity to the college (supporting an estimated 10,265 jobs), and outlined career-technical programs including emergency management, water technology, automotive technology and cosmetology.
Why it matters: The partnership expands affordable postsecondary access for local students, increases capacity in high-need fields such as nursing, and strengthens career opportunities for Azusa graduates.
Next steps: Citrus offered to share updated data on enrollments and outcomes with district staff and to answer board questions about the concurrent-enrollment pathway with Azusa High.
