Wagner HS is the first school to meet goal for AlamoPROMISE pledges

Wagner High School, Judson ISD, the Alamo Colleges District and Northeast Lakeview College (NLC) joyfully celebrated a major first today as Wagner announced that 100% of its senior class had pledged to save their seat in the Alamo Colleges' AlamoPROMISE free tuition program. Wagner is the first of the eligible 25 AlamoPROMISE high schools to reach their pledge goal. More than 400 seniors have pledged to save their seats and take the first step in enrolling at one of the Alamo Colleges. At the Judson ISD kickoff for AlamoPROMISE, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeanette Ball issued a challenge to all Judson ISD high schools, promising that the first to pledge 100% of their seniors would get to select a reward. Wagner seniors have chosen to receive free caps and gowns for their graduation. To date, nearly 6,000 eligible high school seniors have pledged for AlamoPROMISE. Seniors who graduate in May 2020 may enroll under AlamoPROMISE in Fall 2020.

"We are ecstatic that Wagner students have responded so enthusiastically to AlamoPROMISE," said Alamo Colleges District Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores. "We are committed to providing support and encouragement for the students who pledge and look forward to seeing them at one of our colleges next fall," he added.

"I am so proud of our students for taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity offered by Alamo Colleges," said Ball. "The students and parents realize that AlamoPROMISE is a tremendous opportunity that will make a huge impact on the students' future development and success. I am beyond proud of the students at Wagner for reaching the goal of 100% and for the dedicated staff that assisted, encouraged and promoted AlamoPROMISE. Go T-Birds!," she added.

Both Ball and Flores spoke at the event, congratulating the students and staff, along with Alamo Colleges District Assistant Secretary Joe Jesse Sanchez, NLC President Dr. Veronica Garcia, and Wagner Principal Mary Duhart Toppen. Adding to the festivities were rousing performances by the school's cheerleaders, drumline, mascot, and dance team.

To allow more students the opportunity to attend one of the Alamo Colleges, AlamoPROMISE provides last-dollar funding to students at one of the Alamo Colleges for completion of a credential or three years of college to students who plan to earn an associate degree, certification, courses for transfer or workforce training. As last-dollar funding, AlamoPROMISE covers the gap between financial aid and the cost of tuition and required fees. Household income does not disqualify students. To become an AlamoPROMISE Scholar, a student must be a San Antonio/Bexar County resident and a senior graduating in 2020 from one of the 25 participating high schools with a high school diploma. By the fall of 2021, the AlamoPROMISE program will be available to students graduating with a diploma from an additional 20 participating public high schools in Bexar County. For more information, go to http://hduf.ngskmc-eis.net/promise

At the Alamo Colleges District, high-quality education and affordable costs provide exceptional value to students and alumni who are major contributors to the economy and culture of our community.