Making free college a permanent program in the San Mateo County Community College District took another big step in the current legislative cycle through Senate Bill 968 that seeks to break cost barriers to education for county residents.
Community News
Feb 9 2026
Dec 15 2025
Districtwide student housing at College of San Mateo is inching closer to becoming a reality after the community college district’s Board of Trustees approved a $61.85 million contract with developers who intend to break ground in the spring.
Dec 8 2025
For over a year, the College of San Mateo’s coastside campus has increased access to higher education by bringing the county’s community college district courses to a previously underserved farmworking community burdened by geography.
Aug 11 2025
A total of $818 million in facilities improvements has been identified at the San Mateo County Community College District’s three campuses and officials are discussing strategies to pay for them — including a potential ballot measure as soon as next year.
Jul 8 2025
The San Mateo County Community College District is working to make college truly free for county residents — extending the discount beyond tuition and academics to waive parking permits and health care fees.
Jun 5 2025
Free and open to the public, Jazz on the Hill returns 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 7, with jazz, blues and Latin music performed on two stages. This year, organizers are emphasizing the event as a family affair.
May 27 2025
College of San Mateo celebrated its 103rd Commencement Ceremony at the historic College Heights Stadium, where families, faculty, staff, and community members gathered to honor the achievements of the Class of 2025. Under a sunny sky full of cheers, 1,282 degrees and certificates were awarded to 928 graduates, ranging in age from 16 to 80—a powerful reminder of the transformative and lifelong nature of education.
May 8 2025
The Promise Scholars Program (PSP) at College of San Mateo (CSM) is a transformative initiative designed to support first-time, full-time students in achieving their educational goals. Modeled after the City University of New York’s Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), PSP offers comprehensive support services, including up to three years of tuition and fee waivers, textbook assistance, transportation and food incentives, and personalized academic counseling.
Mar 25 2025
The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) will hold its board meeting on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Jefferson Unified School District Boardroom in Daly City, CA. Following the successful model of the October 23, 2024, meeting held in East Palo Alto, the meeting location was chosen to further enhance engagement with residents of North San Mateo County. Community members can attend either in person or virtually to learn about SMCCCD’s enhanced educational pathways and opportunities available for local residents.
Dec 23 2024
College of San Mateo (CSM) celebrated the remarkable achievements of its Fire Academy graduates at a heartfelt ceremony held on Thursday, December 12, in the CSM Theater. This milestone event recognized the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the 21 graduates who have completed the rigorous 16-week academy, a cornerstone of CSM’s Fire Technology program.
