Berkeley City College, or BCC, is waiving tuition and fees for in-state students for the fall 2022 semester to work toward eliminating barriers to higher education.

The program, which is called “Fall is Free,” will apply to incoming and continuing students who enroll in a minimum of three units, according to a BCC press release. The press release added the grant will cover unit enrollment costs, campus center fees, student center fees and health center fees.

In total, this represents a cost of approximately $574 for a 12-unit course load, the BCC website reads.

“Many current and potential students have faced hardships over the past few years that may have stopped them from getting an education,” said BCC spokesperson Tom Rizza. “We are hoping that people see this program and decide that they can enroll in as many classes as they want.”

According to Rizza, students must complete applications for FAFSA, the California Dream Act or a California College Promise Grant to qualify, with BCC designated as the home college. As such, the program will not apply to out-of-state or international students.

If the state’s programs do not cover a student’s fees, BCC’s initiative will step in instead. Students who enroll in a minimum of six units in the fall will additionally receive free bus transportation from AC Transit.

Rizza explained that COVID-19 pandemic pressures, inflation and rising housing prices are reasons for why the initiative started. BCC is hoping to incentivize students to start or continue their higher education goals, Rizza noted.

“Many of our students — high school students up to adults — are primary caretakers for people who are affected by the pandemic, so it makes it very difficult to, A, pay for school if you don’t fall under the financial aid category and, B, find the time to do so,” Rizza said.

The program is made possible by the state’s Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Rizza explained that BCC set aside $1.9 million toward the fall initiative.

According to Rizza, BCC hopes to reach as many students as possible to maximize its enrollment. The three-unit minimum represents enrollment in one typical class at BCC, making the initiative accessible to students with little time to spare, Rizza said.

“If you want to go to BCC and partake in school and not pay any fees, you are a potential student for us,” Rizza said. BCC is also hosting a number of enrollment workshops throughout August before classes start Aug. 22. According to Rizza, these workshops will aid students with the school application, financial aid applications and class registration. The last day to enroll for the fall semester is Sept. 5.