This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the Alamo Promise program—a tuition-free initiative from the Alamo Colleges District aimed at lowering barriers to higher education for Bexar County high school graduates. The program, now entering its sixth year of enrollment, has set out to make college accessible to all students regardless of income, academic standing, or background.
Host Bob Rivard is joined by Stephanie Vasquez, Chief Program Officer for Alamo Promise, to discuss the impact of the program, the challenges facing students in San Antonio, and the realities of retention and completion in the community college system.
They discuss:
• Why Alamo Promise provides universal access and how students qualify
• The growth of college-going rates in Bexar County and persistent completion gaps
• What wraparound supports—like transportation, childcare, and counseling—exist for students facing obstacles beyond tuition
• How the program is funded and what sustainability looks like for universal tuition
• The lessons learned from serving over 30,000 Promise scholars
• Efforts to improve graduation rates and debate over enrollment requirements
• The evolving discussion around educational attainment, local workforce needs, and the fight to reduce San Antonio’s high poverty rate
For students, parents, and community leaders tracking equity and opportunity in local higher education, this episode provides an in-depth look at one of San Antonio’s boldest experiments in college access.
RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:
▶️ #11. How To Achieve Your Higher Education Dreams through Alamo Colleges with Dr. Mike Flores – Discover how Alamo Colleges breaks down barriers to college access for all students. In this episode, Bob Rivard talks with Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores about busting higher ed myths, the power of the Alamo Promise, and how flexible pathways support student success in San Antonio.
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