Demonstrating its continued commitment to supporting education and fighting hunger, H-E-B announced a $400,000 donation to the Alamo Colleges District and its Student Advocacy Center Network during an event at St. Philip’s College on Wednesday, March 26. The donation will support scholarships and strengthening resources available to students across the district who face food insecurity and other critical needs. The contribution from H-E-B, through its Hunger Relief program, also included a refrigerated truck that will enhance food collection and delivery in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank, along with pantry equipment, food supplies, and emergency assistance to help students at all five Alamo Colleges. “Across the Alamo Colleges District, we know that supporting our students’ basic needs is essential to their success inside and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Mike Flores, Alamo Colleges District Chancellor. “Thanks to H-E-B’s generous investment, we’re expanding the capacity to support our students and our Advocacy Centers to ensure that food insecurity and other barriers don’t stand in the way of our students achieving their academic and career goals.” Each advocacy center across the district serves as a one-stop hub where students can access food pantries, benefits navigators, and emergency aid. Through partnerships, the centers host pop-up markets and maintain fully stocked campus food pantries, providing fresh, healthy food, and supplies directly to students and their families. “At H-E-B, we’re committed to helping our partners in education provide opportunities to the next generation of leaders who will shape the workforce in San Antonio and Texas,” said Monica Garza, H-E-B Senior Manager of Public Affairs. “Hunger impacts so many across our communities, and this gift will help give students access to food and other necessities, so they can focus on their academics and not where their next meal will come from.” According to a national study, nearly 40% of community college students experience food insecurity, which can impact their ability to stay enrolled and complete their education. H-E-B has more than a 30-year history of supporting the Alamo Colleges District and investing in initiatives and scholarships that make a difference in the lives of students. In 2024, H-E-B announced a $1 million donation to St. Philip’s College for the construction of the H-E-B Black Box Theater, further providing opportunities that drive creativity and innovation. For more information about the Alamo Colleges District Advocacy Centers, visit alamo.edu/advocacy.  ### About H-E-B H-E-B, with sales of more than $46 billion, operates over 435 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 160,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.

The Alamo Colleges District’s upgraded ACES Portal is now available for you to preview. The new portal features a modernized design and improved functionality to give students, faculty, and staff more straightforward access to key tools, resources, and helpful information.    The new ACES portal will be the default portal option in mid-March.  ACES Upgrade Video FM Cards Format: Content is arranged into a ‘card’ format. Each card may represent a single tool or resource or could contain a group of related items in one card. Streamlined Navigation: ACES cards are organized into five main categories: Academics, Enrollment, Paying for College, Resources, and My ACES Profile. The menu is located on the left side of the screen.  Search Functionality: Looking for something specific? Use the "Discover” option to locate relevant cards across all menu categories. Type a search term or select from suggested topics.  Personalization: Customize your portal home screen by bookmarking and organizing your most-used cards.  Aces FWC We’re dedicated to improving ACES to better serve you. Use the 'Report ACES Feedback & Issues' card on your home screen to share any suggestions or concerns, and we’ll make enhancements based on your input.

Pictured: Leslie Odom Jr. and Dr. Eric Castillo Last week, the Alamo Colleges District hosted the 4th Annual National Day of Collective Healing, featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winning vocalist, actor, and songwriter Leslie Odom Jr. The theme, "The Rhythm of Our Common Humanity," brought together the community for a powerful evening of reflection, culture, and connection at the Carver Community Cultural Center. The event was emceed by Erika Prosper, the First Lady of San Antonio, and opened with a blessing and land acknowledgment by Destiny Hernández of the Payaya Clan of the Tāp Pīlam Coahuiltecan Nation. Mayor Ron Nirenberg, along with the center's Executive Director, Cassandra Parker-Nowicki. Chancellor Dr. Flores also spoke about the power of art and education in healing. Following the speeches, the audience was captivated by a dragon dance performed by the San Antonio Chinese Alliance and a Native American hoop dance by Eric Michael Hernández of the Lumbee Tribe. The evening continued with a conversation between Dr. Eric Castillo, Associate Vice Chancellor for Arts, Culture, and Community Impact, and Leslie Odom Jr. about finding compassion within ourselves. Leslie emphasized, “It’s how we treat one another and how we treat ourselves. We can express that compassion in how we speak to our students, employees, and children. The healing work that you're doing—that is your 'change is going to come.' We all can contribute to it.”View Event Photos View the Event Video

  (SAN ANTONIO, Texas) – Jan. 28, 2025 – The Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees has called for a $987 million bond to acquire, improve, construct, equip, and renovate facilities and sites throughout the District. 'This bond will appear on the May 3, 2025, election ballot and is intended to address the region's growing educational and workforce demands. Following the planning and recommendations of the Citizen’s Bond Advisory Committee, the board called for the bond election during its meeting on Jan. 28, 2025.  Details of the bond include the following preliminary allocations: $535 million for new programs and facilities expansion. $247 million for infrastructure improvements. $205 million for multi-sector investments in areas such as engineering, healthcare, IT and cybersecurity, emerging technologies, applied technology and construction trades, automotive technology, and transportation. Bexar County's population projections show an expected rise of over 29%, reaching nearly 2.5 million residents by 2040. Surrounding counties are also anticipated to experience significant growth during this period. If voters approve the bond at the May 3, 2025, election, the Alamo Colleges District anticipates issuing the voter-approved bonds in multiple installments over several years, projected to result in no tax rate increase for Alamo Colleges District taxpayers. Election Day is May 3, 2025. Early voting will run from Tuesday, April 22, 2025, through Tuesday, April 29, 2025. To learn more about the bond proposal or to request a bond information presentation visit alamo.edu/cip View CIP Bond Page

The Alamo Colleges District invites students to apply to serve as the 2025-2026 Student Trustee. The Student Trustee serves as an advisor to the Board and is a liaison between the students and the Board of Trustees and Chancellor, while gaining leadership experience and ensuring that students participate in district governance. The Student Trustee’s main goal is to represent student interests.Role Description The student trustee is expected to support the Alamo Colleges District mission to empower our diverse communities for success and should commit to full participation at board meetings held approximately twice a month. The Student Trustee also has the opportunity to attend pre-approved conferences, advocacy trips, and other activities and events. Travel allowance/reimbursement is received at the same rate established for other Trustees. The time commitment can be substantial, but many student trustee activities are dependent on the student’s schedule. Stipend The Student Trustee receives a $1,875 stipend at the beginning of each Fall and Spring semester of his/her year of service, for a total of $3,750 stipend in recognition of the time spent as a trustee. The Alternate Student Trustee will receive a $937.50 stipend per fall and spring semester for a total of $1,875.Eligible students are encouraged to apply to their home college. Each of the five colleges will then submit a nominee to the Board of Trustees. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements.  Complete the Application on AlamoEXPERIENCE Use your ACES Login information to access the application.Eligibility Requirements Have satisfactorily completed a minimum of 12 college level course hours at any of the five colleges in the Alamo Colleges District;  Be currently enrolled in one of the Alamo Colleges and maintain enrollment in at least six credit hours during the election period and throughout the Student Trustee’s term of office (Summer enrollment is optional);  Be in good academic and civic standing with the Alamo Colleges District; Be enrolled at any of the Alamo Colleges and able to serve a term that will begin on May 1st and end on April 30th of the following year; Have a GPA of at least 2.5; and  Not hold an earned post-secondary degree Also Encouraged:  Proof of community service hours; and  Participated in a Student Club or Organization    Applying students are to submit:  A brief personal essay addressing their interest and credential for this position;  A Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) form; and  A presentation one week before the Board Meeting.  Each college will nominate a student for the position of Student Trustee who will appear before the Board of Trustees and provide a brief presentation addressing why they believe they would be the best candidate for the position. Presentations are to be submitted one week before the Board Meeting along with a photo. The Board Liaison will contact the Colleges’ Student Trustee nominees and inform them of the Board of Trustees meeting date and Board interview process. In the interview, be ready to discuss: Your academic standing; Your community serve hours; The demographic make-up of all the Alamo Colleges (social, economic, and historical backgrounds) and how they make each student population unique; and Your personal vision for the future of the Alamo Colleges District. Application Timeline Jan. 21 – Open for applications Feb. 28 – Student Trustee Application Deadline by 11:59 p.m. Mar. 3-21 – SGA application review and interviews Mar. 24, 2025 – Student Trustee Candidates submitted to the Board (one candidate per college) Apr. 22, 2025 – Board of Trustees application review/interview process. Student Trustee selected by the Board at a Special Meeting May 1, 2025 – Student Trustee begins term and serves one year (May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026)

Aniya Ricks’ journey to success has been guided by ambition and determination to achieve her future goals.  A homeschool graduate from Liberty University Online Academy, Aniya is now studying Computer Science at Northeast Lakeview College (NLC), where she maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA. She dreams of using her skills to protect the nation from cyber threats and aspires to become an FBI agent specializing in computer science. Thanks to the support of the AlamoPROMISE program, a last-dollar scholarship that covers 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students, Aniya is on her way to making this dream a reality. “AlamoPROMISE has taken the financial strain of education off my family, allowing me to focus on my classes and my grades,” says Aniya. “This program has helped me and countless other students with their education.” With the burden of tuition removed, Aniya has been able to fully dedicate herself to her coursework and extracurricular activities. In addition to her studies, she is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success, where she continues to develop her leadership skills and expand her professional network. Outside the classroom, Aniya is passionate about giving back to the community and volunteers at several local non-profits. She also has a small bag-making business, enjoys martial arts, and takes care of her collection of twenty-two houseplants. When asked about her experience at NLC, Aniya speaks highly of the support she has received from faculty and staff. “I have been able to save money that I can use toward my transfer institution once I complete my work at NLC. I am grateful to the faculty and staff at NLC for their guidance and support, especially my advisors and professors who have helped me get to where I am today,” she says. “My experience at this campus has been outstanding.” After graduating from NLC, Aniya plans to transfer to a four-year university where she will pursue a degree in Cybersecurity with a minor in Psychology. For Aniya, AlamoPROMISE has been more than just financial support—it’s been the key to unlocking her future. Without the financial pressures of tuition, she has been able to focus on what truly matters: her education and future career goals.