AlamoPROMISE helps make a student’s dream of giving back to the community possible

Penelope Flores has always had a passion for giving back to her community and a strong interest in building a safe, secure society. She dreamed of pursuing a career in law enforcement or working for a governmental agency so that she could help those in need. However, given the expensive cost of higher education, she wasn’t sure how to make this dream a reality.

During her senior year of high school, Penelope learned about AlamoPROMISE, a last-dollar scholarship that covers 100 percent of tuition and fees for graduating seniors from partner high schools. After hearing about the obstacles that Alamo Colleges District (ACD) removes for its students, she was given hope about continuing her education. She knew that the AlamoPROMISE program was a golden opportunity to attend college without the financial burden.

“Under the AlamoPROMISE program, the possibilities are open for students to pursue higher education…I have gained confidence in myself knowing that this program invests in my future. I hope to inspire other students to seize this opportunity as they continue their academic journey,” said Penelope.

She enrolled at Northeast Lakeview College (NLC) in fall 2023 and began studying Criminal Justice. During her time at NLC, Penelope has proven her commitment to her studies and has already earned 30 credit hours while maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA. Outside of class, Penelope actively participates in student life and was recently appointed as an officer for NLC’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Beta Sigma Delta Chapter. She plans to continue to develop her leadership skills by serving as PTK’s secretary for the remainder of her time at NLC.

Penelope remains dedicated to the community and volunteers for Digital4Good + #ICanHelp, where she promotes digital safety. She is also a lead board member at Sincerely Someone Who Cares, a nonprofit that makes cards for mental health patients to provide support in times of solitude or difficulty.

Penelope attributes her academic success to the resources offered to ACD students to help make higher education affordable, including AlamoPROMISE and the Summer Momentum Plan, a last-dollar scholarship that saves eligible students time and money by allowing them to take free summer classes.

“AlamoPROMISE has helped me remove the…financial barrier of having to save up money to pay for college. With the help of this program, I am able to complete my Associate’s degree tuition-free at the end of 2024, graduating a semester early,” said Penelope.

After earning her Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from NLC, she plans to transfer to Texas A&M – San Antonio or begin taking online classes at the University of Texas – Permian Basin to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.