Kern Promise

Kern Promise is a commitment between transfer students and Bakersfield College to help students complete their associate degree for transfer (ADT) within two years as long as transfer students meet all program requirements. Kern Promise students get several perks to help them achieve their transfer goals. As a Kern Promise student, you may be eligible for priority registration, a $250 book scholarship per semester, and paid tuition. The intent of this program is to help students successfully reach their transfer goals by regularly meeting with counselors and advisors, participating in events, and participating in transfer community.

Kern Promise Interest Form 2025

(Form is open from January 1, 2025 to July 1, 2025)

Requirements

Being part of Kern Promise is an important commitment. Transfer students must meet the following requirements to maintain their commitment. Students who do not meet or maintain the requirements for the program will be disqualified.

• Be a first-time college student attending BC (dual or concurrent enrollment does not count)
• Must be pursuing an ADT degree
• California Resident or AB540 eligible
• Enroll in at least 12 units per semester
• Complete 30 units per school year
• Complete transfer level Math and English within the first year
• Cumulative BC GPA of 2.0 or above AND pass all classes with a “C” or higher
• Submit FAFSA or CA Dream Act every year
• Attend Kern Promise semester meetings

The Kern Promise Interest form for the incoming Fall 2025 cohort will open on January 1st and close on July 1st.

ADTs: Eligible Programs/Majors 

Declare an approved ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer) from the list below (AA-T: Associate of Arts for Transfer; AS-T: Associate of Science for Transfer)

What is an ADT?

Associate degrees for transfer (also called ADTs or transfer degrees) are designed to provide a clear pathway for California community college students to California State University (CSU) degrees. California community college students who earn an associate degree for transfer are guaranteed admission with junior standing to select CSU campuses and are given priority admission consideration over other transfer students. Students who have completed a transfer degree in a major deemed similar to a CSU major are able to complete the remaining requirements at that CSU within 60 units after transfer.  

Note: Associate of Arts degree for Transfer (AAT) and Associate of Science degree for Transfer (AST) are both Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT’s).

Learn more about ADT's:

• Bakersfield College Transfer
• I Can Go to College, Associate Degree for Transfer
• AICCU Transfer Information
• California Community College HBCU Transfer
• University of California Pathways
• WICHE Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)