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Ask any AlamoPROMISE student what drew them to the Alamo Colleges District, and a common theme emerges: the desire for a better life for themselves and their families.
Now in its fifth year, the Alamo Colleges District’s AlamoPROMISE program continues to transform lives by offering graduating Bexar County high school seniors the opportunity to pursue higher education without financial stress. This last-dollar scholarship covers tuition and required fees for up to three years or until students complete their associate degree or academic certificate, whichever comes first.
Since its launch in 2019, 16,044 AlamoPROMISE Scholars have enrolled. Nearly half are pursuing STEM-related fields in Health & Biosciences and Science and Technology, with 88% identifying as students of color.
This past fall, the Alamo Colleges achieved a record enrollment of 77,191 students, including 20% first-time college students. This milestone aligns with the growth of AlamoPROMISE, which has helped a large number of AlamoPROMISE students, including the largest incoming class of 6,700 new Promise Scholars.
These enrollment trends have contributed to UP Partnership’s Future Ready Bexar County Plan’s North Star goal of increasing the percentage of Bexar County high school graduates enrolling in a postsecondary degree or credential program to 70% by 2030, with a 3.6% increase in Bexar County’s college-going rates compared to pre-PROMISE levels. The Alamo Colleges District is a proud anchor partner in the plan’s implementation. Looking ahead, the district anticipates supporting 12,645 Promise Scholars in the upcoming Fall 2024/Spring 2025 academic year, continuing its moonshot of partnering to end poverty through education and training.
Here, we visit with three students on their college journey through AlamoPROMISE.
Penelope Flores
Penelope Flores has always been passionate about giving back to her community. She dreamed of a law enforcement or government agency career but needed help to afford higher education.
“With the AlamoPROMISE program, students can pursue higher education. It’s given me confidence, knowing it invests in my future. I hope to inspire others to seize this opportunity,” said Flores.
Flores is enrolled at Northeast Lakeview College to study Criminal Justice and plans to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice after completing her Associate of Applied Science.
Abram Tenorio
Abram Tenorio is a first-generation St. Philip’s College student and a MacArthur High School graduate.
“The AlamoPROMISE program has been the first chapter of my success story toward obtaining an engineering license and degree. It has been the lifeline that has connected my dreams and aspirations to higher education together,” said Tenorio.
He has interned at CPS Energy and is continuing to grow in his field.
Tenorio believes the most important thing is to set an example and show others that anyone can overcome obstacles and succeed with dedication and support. He hopes his college journey sends a message to future generations that no dream is too big if you’re willing to put in the work.
Jennifer Toledo
Jennifer Toledo dreamed of attending college. At 14, living in Mexico, she asked her parents to move to the United States for better educational opportunities, and four years ago moved to San Antonio.
During her senior year of high school, she discovered AlamoPROMISE and enrolled at Northwest Vista College to study Teaching.
“AlamoPROMISE has relieved a significant burden, allowing me to pursue my educational goals without financial stress,” she said.
In the Summer of 2024, Jennifer completed her Associate of Arts in Teaching at NVC. She plans to transfer to the University of Texas at San Antonio or UTSA for a Bachelor’s in Bilingual Education and eventually pursue a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Culture, Literacy, and Language. Her goal is to return to the Alamo Colleges to help future students achieve their educational dreams.
To learn more about AlamoPROMISE, visit alamo.edu/promise.
