Amanda Sotelo
Only one year after its inception, the Valley Promise Program, powered by South Texas College, has provided thousands of students with a free education, expanding life-changing accessibility to a higher education for many and earning the College Promise National Impact Award.
The award was recently presented to STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., in San Antonio, during the College Promise 10th Anniversary Celebration at the College Promise Careers Institute and acknowledges the powerful role Valley Promise plays in expanding access to higher education and creating clear pathways to opportunity.
STC is one of only 15 promise programs in the nation to be awarded this recognition.
“Receiving this award has been a great honor and a proud moment for us at STC. This recognition is a powerful validation of STC’s commitment to creating a college-going culture, breaking down financial barriers and ensuring every student in the RGV has access to an affordable, high-quality education,” said Solis. “Through initiatives like Valley Promise, the college is transforming lives, empowering families and strengthening the economic future of our region. We are working toward a free education and a brighter future for all.”
STC’s Valley Promise Program was created as a last-dollar scholarship that covers tuition and fees after financial aid awards and other scholarships are applied. Within its first year, the Valley Promise has offered eligible graduating high school seniors at participating high schools in Hidalgo and Starr counties, a tuition-free scholarship, including dedicated staff to help them navigate and succeed throughout their college journey.
Since its inception last year, the Valley Promise has already served 2,748 students and has awarded $125,246.
“This recognition highlights South Texas College’s commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable for all students across the Rio Grande Valley,” said Melissa Peña, STC director of Valley Promise. “It affirms the impact of Valley Promise in expanding opportunity and supporting students from enrollment to graduation. For our students, it’s a reminder that their college and community believe in their potential and are invested in their success.”
According to a press release from College Promise, Valley Promise, as an award recipient, is one of the best programs within the promise movement, which was implemented a decade ago and has grown to a nationwide network of more than 450 nationwide Promise Programs, spanning every state and enabling students to pursue higher education without the burden of unmanageable debt.
The release added that promise programs like Valley Promise work diligently to demonstrate the transformative power of community-driven commitment to student success.
“These 15 programs embody the promise of what’s possible when communities invest in their students,” said Rosye Cloud, interim chief executive officer of College Promise. “By helping students pursue college and careers, they are not only changing lives, they are strengthening their communities, building the workforce of the future and setting an example for programs nationwide.”
STC Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Matthew Hebbard, Ed.D., said the overall goal for Valley Promise is to make college free for all, and in receiving this award, STC has had the opportunity to network and strategize with others also investing in and expanding their promise programs.
The College Promise Careers Institute brought together educators, policymakers, employers, philanthropic leaders and students from across the nation to explore innovative strategies that bridge the gap between education and workforce opportunities.
“We are so proud to receive this national award and recognition,” said Hebbard. “It takes a village of partners and investors to make a program like this possible and we have been able to work with some of the best. This award is a confirmation of our work to quickly launch and expand our promise program and impact students in our entire region, both high school graduates and adults. Our ultimate goal – make college free for all.”
Photo Caption: Only one year after its inception, the Valley Promise Program, powered by South Texas College, has provided thousands of students with a free education, expanding life-changing accessibility to a higher education for many and earning the College Promise National Impact Award.
