College Promise and the Alamo Colleges District proudly hosted a national convening focused on advancing data-driven support and best practices for student fathers. Held on May 29, 2025, at the Alamo Colleges District’s ACCESS Building, the event brought together higher education leaders, policy experts, and practitioners nationwide to address student fathers’ unique challenges in accessing, achieving, and advancing through postsecondary education. The convening opened with remarks from Dr. Mike Flores, Chancellor of the Alamo Colleges District, and Rosye Cloud, Interim CEO of College Promise. Both emphasized the importance of elevating the voices of parenting students, an often-overlooked population in higher education. “At the Alamo Colleges District, we believe in meeting students where they are and designing pathways that reflect the realities of their lives. Student fathers are a vital part of our college communities, and too often, their experiences go unseen in higher education policy and practice. This convening represents a critical opportunity to share data, elevate voices, and create actionable solutions to ensure student fathers and all parents can thrive in college, career, and life.” In response to declining college enrollment rates among males nationwide, College Promise has identified male students, specifically fathers, as a critical subgroup of interest. This project is designed to (1) conduct a comprehensive landscape analysis of national and regional data, (2) share best practices to enhance student-father outcomes, and (3) increase the impact of existing supports through targeted technical assistance, outreach, and awareness campaigns. The initiative focuses on six states that collect student parent data: Michigan, Illinois, Oregon, California, Minnesota, and Texas. This initiative, announced earlier this year, aims to expand targeted interventions and wraparound services across key states, with a long-term goal of implementing these findings across College Promise programs nationwide. Through targeted discussions and workshops, the event will highlight effective wraparound services, financial aid innovations, and institutional policies that can be scaled across key states and, ultimately, replicated nationwide. Through efforts like AlamoPROMISE, the Alamo Colleges have eliminated cost as a barrier to higher education for thousands of students. Since its launch in 2019, AlamoPROMISE has enabled more than 23,000 students – many of them student parents and first-generation college-goers to enroll and persist in college. “When we support student fathers to achieve their potential, we uplift entire families and communities. That’s why College Promise is working nationwide to connect student fathers with career opportunities through education and training,” said Rosye Cloud, interim CEO of College Promise. “Higher education remains one of the most effective strategies for achieving long-term economic prosperity. The Alamo Colleges District stands out as a model for how institutions can drive economic mobility by offering student-centered support, financial resources, and career-connected programs.” Throughout the day, attendees engaged in data sessions, peer learning discussions, and workshops highlighting institutional policies and programs that can be scaled nationwide. From on-campus childcare and flexible scheduling to financial aid innovation and faculty engagement, presenters underscored the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change for student fathers. Taking place during College Promise’s 10th-anniversary year, this convening is part of a broader celebration of the National Promise movement’s growth and evolution, underscoring the importance of equitable access and support for all students.

Shaelyn Garcia, a standout honors student at San Antonio College (SAC), is preparing to embark on a life-changing journey this fall as she transfers to Mount Holyoke College, one of the prestigious Seven Sisters schools that were originally founded to provide women with an education equivalent to that offered by the Ivy League. A recipient of the competitive Frances Perkins Scholarship – awarded to only 25 students nationwide each year – Shaelyn will attend Mount Holyoke with full tuition covered as she pursues a biology degree and ultimately, a future in medicine. At 27, Shaelyn identifies as a non-traditional student. She began her academic career at SAC at age 25 after leaving behind a five-year career in graphic design, a field she entered straight out of high school. “When the pandemic hit, I realized I wanted to do more. I wanted to help people,” she said. That desire led her to SAC, where she quickly excelled – earning a 4.0 GPA, winning the Outstanding Honors Graduate award, and discovering her true calling in medicine. Her academic success didn’t happen in a vacuum. Shaelyn credits the strong support systems at SAC for helping her reach this milestone. Through the college’s Advocacy Center, she accessed free therapy, which she says made a significant difference in her ability to push through her studies. “Having someone to help me build emotional tools and stay refreshed was huge,” she said. In addition to mental health support, Shaelyn gained hands-on experience through a paid hospital internship funded by Alamo On The Job. The position not only provided financial stability but also opened doors for networking and shadowing opportunities, including a chance to meet a resident pathologist – an experience that reinforced her dream of specializing in pathology. “These are the kinds of experiences most people don’t even get in med school,” she said. Her decision to attend Mount Holyoke was intentional and values-driven, as she was drawn primarily to institutions that prioritize equity and inclusion. “Mount Holyoke didn’t just have strong academics – it had values that aligned with mine,” she said. “It stands for something, and it works to serve those who have been historically underserved.” Shaelyn discovered the Honors Academy at SAC through a campus flyer and encouragement from a professor. That moment led to a transformative academic experience that culminated in national recognition and a promising path forward. She plans to visit the Mount Holyoke campus this summer for the first time before moving in this August, where she’ll live among fellow Frances Perkins scholars – students like her, returning to college after time away. As for what she’s most excited about? “Honestly, the library,” she laughed. “It’s almost 200 years old, and it’s just gorgeous. I can’t wait to sit there and study surrounded by that history.” To students following in her footsteps, Shaelyn offers this advice: “Talk to everyone. Ask for help. SAC has so many resources, and even if they don’t have what you need, they’ll help you find it. Don’t be afraid to speak up – there’s a whole community ready to help you succeed.” Shaelyn’s journey is far from over, but her time at San Antonio College has built a strong foundation for what’s to come. As she packs her bags for Massachusetts, she carries with her not just a stellar transcript and a prestigious scholarship—but the unwavering belief that she belongs wherever her ambition takes her.    

Nathaniel Wilbank was raised in San Antonio, TX and attended high school at Antonian College Preparatory. During his time in high school, he was a dedicated and talented student athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, Nathaniel’s decision of where to attend college was easy thanks to his family legacy at the Alamo Colleges District (ACD) where his parents and grandfather attended San Antonio College. He was also excited to learn that he qualified for AlamoPROMISE, a last dollar scholarship that helps remove financial barriers by covering 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students. Inspired by his family’s experience and thankful for the opportunity to attend college tuition-free, Nathaniel enrolled at Palo Alto College (PAC). “If I didn’t have AlamoPROMISE, I’m not sure where I’d be right now,” said Nathaniel. At PAC, Nathaniel maintains an impressive 4.0 GPA and is part of the Welding Technology program with the goal of earning an Associate of Applied Science. He has also continued his path as a student athlete by joining the club basketball team, where has found a strong sense of support, purpose, and community. Nathaniel attributes his academic success to the PAC leadership and athletic staff who have kept him motivated and focused on his coursework. Although he remains busy with his studies and sports, he has also found time to give back to his community and has earned 25 hours of volunteer service this academic year. “I want to thank members of our athletics department staff…for pushing me to be strong academically with the required tutoring hours, biweekly grade checks, and volunteer service hours which have helped me to be a successful athlete and also a greater person,” said Nathaniel. At the ACD May 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting, Nathaniel was recognized as the AlamoPROMISE Student of the Month. During his acceptance speech, he thanked his parents for keeping him grounded and focused and acknowledged the opportunities given to him as an AlamoPROMISE Scholar. “PAC has given me the opportunity to pursue a degree and career path that I’m passionate about,” said Nathaniel. After graduation, Nathaniel plans to begin a career in welding to provide for his future family. His journey reflects the impact that access, support, and determination can have on a student’s path.

Nathaniel Wilbank was raised in San Antonio, TX and attended high school at Antonian College Preparatory. During his time in high school, he was a dedicated and talented student athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, Nathaniel’s decision of where to attend college was easy thanks to his family legacy at the Alamo Colleges District (ACD) where his parents and grandfather attended San Antonio College. He was also excited to learn that he qualified for AlamoPROMISE, a last dollar scholarship that helps remove financial barriers by covering 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students. Inspired by his family’s experience and thankful for the opportunity to attend college tuition-free, Nathaniel enrolled at Palo Alto College (PAC). “If I didn’t have AlamoPROMISE, I’m not sure where I’d be right now,” said Nathaniel. At PAC, Nathaniel maintains an impressive 4.0 GPA and is part of the Welding Technology program with the goal of earning an Associate of Applied Science. He has also continued his path as a student athlete by joining the club basketball team, where has found a strong sense of support, purpose, and community. Nathaniel attributes his academic success to the PAC leadership and athletic staff who have kept him motivated and focused on his coursework. Although he remains busy with his studies and sports, he has also found time to give back to his community and has earned 25 hours of volunteer service this academic year. “I want to thank members of our athletics department staff…for pushing me to be strong academically with the required tutoring hours, biweekly grade checks, and volunteer service hours which have helped me to be a successful athlete and also a greater person,” said Nathaniel. At the ACD May 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting, Nathaniel was recognized as the AlamoPROMISE Student of the Month. During his acceptance speech, he thanked his parents for keeping him grounded and focused and acknowledged the opportunities given to him as an AlamoPROMISE Scholar. “PAC has given me the opportunity to pursue a degree and career path that I’m passionate about,” said Nathaniel. After graduation, Nathaniel plans to begin a career in welding to provide for his future family. His journey reflects the impact that access, support, and determination can have on a student’s path.

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Dr. Francisco Solis, who served as interim president since March 2024, was approved unanimously by the Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, May 20. An experienced higher education administrator with more than 25 years of service to San Antonio College, he is the first openly LGBTQ president in the college’s 100-year history. “After a quarter century of service to SAC, Dr. Solis brings an impressive breadth of academic and administrative experience to the presidency, as well as an abiding passion for the shared mission and vision of Alamo Colleges,” said Alamo Colleges District Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores, whose leadership spans the district’s family of five community colleges. “I’m deeply honored to be named president at such an exciting time in our college’s history,” Solis said. “We have achieved an enrollment of more than 20,000 students, we continue to develop new cutting-edge course and degree offerings, we will soon complete the next three-year strategic plan, and in September we will launch a year-long centennial celebration both honoring our rich history and looking ahead to our next century of service to the community.” Solis is an alumnus of SAC, having earned an associate of applied science in mortuary science degree in 1995. His tenure at the college began in 1999. Since then, he has served in a variety of teaching and leadership roles. He began as a professor and coordinator in the mortuary science program. Other roles included dean for performance excellence and director of learning assessment and review, where he collaborated closely with college leadership to design and implement the institution’s strategic plan. Notably, Dr. Solis contributed to SAC's accreditation report to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and played a significant role in applications that led to major recognition for the college, including the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the Seal of Excelencia, the Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. He retired from SAC in May 2023. Later, at the request of the chancellor, Solis came out of retirement in March 2024 to serve as interim president. In addition to his career at San Antonio College, Solis has been president of the American Board of Funeral Service Education, chair of the Texas Education Consortium for Male Students of Color, and president of the San Antonio Chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE). He continues to teach as a faculty lecturer at the University of Texas at San Antonio in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Program. Solis is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, St. Edward’s University, San Antonio College, and Central Catholic High School. - SAC - 

Through her professional career, a deep love for knowledge and service has guided Tosca Gonsalves, E-Resources Librarian at Palo Alto College.  After earning a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and a master’s in Spanish, Tosca’s journey took her abroad to Colombia, where she began teaching English while navigating the challenge of her degrees not being transferred. Eventually, she and her husband moved back to the United States so he could pursue his PhD, and it was during this time that Tosca decided to follow her curiosity into library science. “I loved research and books,” she says, “which any librarian would tell you is not a good enough reason to study library science, but I did it anyway, and I found my passion in it.” That passion led her first to the public library system, where she gained valuable hands-on experience. After a period as a stay-at-home mom, she slowly re-entered the field by volunteering in a school library. When Tosca and her family settled back in the States, she landed her position at Palo Alto College, and she’s been here ever since. This September marks Tosca’s 14th year at PAC. In her role, she wears many hats: overseeing technical services like eBook platforms and streaming resources such as Kanopy, managing the library’s materials budget, supporting faculty in identifying subject-specific resources as part of the curriculum committee, and leading information literacy classes for English courses both online and in-person. “There’s so much more to being a librarian than most people realize,” Tosca shares. She also works directly with students through the reference desk, online chat, and Book-a-Librarian appointments, and she frequently collaborates with faculty and other departments across campus.  At the root of Tosca’s work is a strong investment in helping more students, faculty, and staff alike realize just how expansive the library’s resources are. Tosca is especially proud of the San Antonio Poetry Archives and PAC’s own archives, both housed within the library, as well as the children’s library for parenting students.  “There are a fair amount of hidden gems in our library,” she says. “It would be nice if people were more aware that all they have to do is ask, and we do our best to help them.” Beyond academics, Tosca loves the human moments that happen in the library—like when students or colleagues stop to leave a note of thanks. “It warms our hearts and motivates us in the day-to-day chaos,” she says, noting that the team has started collecting these appreciation notes as reminders of the impact they have.  As Tosca looks ahead, she hopes to continue building a library experience that is responsive, inclusive, and accessible, even beyond regular hours. “I want the library to always have something to offer, no matter who you are or where you are on your journey.” Tosca Gonsalves is an example of the spirit and talent that defines Palo Alto College, one of collaboration, community, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Her story reminds us that libraries and the people behind them are more vital than ever.    

The first time Onesty Hamilton enrolled in San Antonio College’s First Responders Academy, she failed out of the program a month before graduation. She had been trying to complete the academy part-time, while still working as a correctional officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It was her experience working with inmates at the prison that inspired her to seek out a new career in the first place. “You get a feel of how it is once they’re already in,” she said, “but I wanted to see what it was like before they get in.” Hamilton wondered what kind of interactions they had with law enforcement before they were incarcerated. “Can you make a difference and turn them on a different path?” she thought to herself. She sought out a program that could train her for a new role in law enforcement, and found the First Responders Academy. She signed up for the 9-month part-time program, and soon after found out about another opportunity: San Antonio’s Ready to Work financial assistance. She received a full scholarship. But when Hamilton failed her coursework, the situation became more complicated. She contacted her Ready to Work case manager, explaining that she wanted to try the program again, full-time, but needed continued financial support. There was money left over from her original scholarship, so Hamilton was able to receive the funds on the condition that she complete the course this time. Still, there were challenges. Hamilton realized she couldn’t balance full-time work—or, she discovered, even part-time work—alongside the full-time academy, and had to give up working so she could focus and make sure she passed.  This, of course, presented another financial obstacle. Even with the scholarship, and a supportive husband, who worked hard to make sure she was able to focus on her career journey, Hamilton said her bills were still piling up. Again, Hamilton turned to her Ready to Work case manager, who connected her to the resources she needed. Between Ready to Work and the Student Advocacy Center on campus, she received gas cards, as well as money for food and other bills. Hamilton credits these two programs with allowing her to stay focused in class, and receive the support she needed without having to rely on outside agencies. Fully immersed in the academy, Hamilton learned a wide range of things that she felt would enable her to keep her community safe. The highlight of the course for her was a crisis intervention training, where she learned to effectively communicate with someone during a high-stress situation.  All the while, Hamilton was applying to police departments where she might work after graduation, with the hope that one would sponsor and pay her during the academy. She applied to a few departments, but didn’t get any leads. “That’s not where I was destined to be,” she said. When the Alamo Colleges District Police Department recruited her, she decided to give it a shot and apply. She was impressed that, throughout the whole application process, they kept in touch with her frequently. She felt she wasn’t just another number to them. Hamilton graduated from the academy in December, and started her new role as an officer at the ACPD in January. She’s working toward her original goal of keeping people out of the prison system, but she recognizes it will be a long journey but realizes she "won’t be able to save everybody.”  In the meantime, she’s become involved in recruiting the next generation. “I just want to share my experience, share my story,” she said.  She’s also a strong advocate for taking advantage of the financial assistance available across the Alamo Colleges. “Use the resources. Don’t be too proud,” she said. Whether it was help with food, bills or even mental counseling, Hamilton said she would not have made it through the academy without the support from those resources and her family.