PATH TO THE FUTURE
Promise scholarships making dreams a reality at San Jac
The future looks bright for high school seniors residing in the San Jacinto College taxing district with the generous Promise @ San Jac Scholarship that is now an option.
This scholarship was designed to relieve the financial burden on families and create a pathway for students making college attainable, according to Keri Ricketson, Promise Coordinator for San Jacinto College.
“San Jac always strives to remove barriers students face when achieving their educational and professional goals,” said Ricketson. “Our institution accomplishes this through the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship. It enables them to focus on their studies, giving them better opportunities to transfer to other institutions, obtain sustainable jobs, and improve their quality of life.”
All high school graduates who live inside the College district and attend College full time can earn a workforce credential or an associate degree at San Jac, with 100 percent of their in-district tuition and books covered.
To be eligible, students must have been enrolled at their indistrict high school or for private and home-school students, and have lived in the district by Oct. 1 of their senior year. Students must also enroll at San Jacinto College full time during the fall semester after graduation, taking at least 12 credit hours each semester.
“The Promise scholarship will cover any remaining balance not covered by financial aid, grants, or other scholarships. If a student doesn’t qualify for other types of assistance, Promise will cover the full in-district tuition.
However, students must accept all gift aid for which they are eligible, including Pell and state grants. San Jacinto College must also be the designated higher education institution on the FAFSA or TASFA application,” said Ricketson.
The scholarship is valid for up to three years or until the student earns their first associate degree and also covers up to $600 for textbooks and supplies each semester at San Jacinto College.
Ricketson said that Promise scholars may enroll in any college credit program or continuing education program that results in a recognized credential. Certificates can be combined with other certifications and training programs.
“These credentials could include aerospace, IT, health care, maritime, truck driving, or industrial trades with a maximum scholarship of $4,680,” Ricketson said.
To be considered, students must complete the following mandatory steps including completing the online Promise pledge and apply to San Jac through ApplyTexas.org by Feb. 22, 2024.
They must submit a FAFSA or TASFA by April 25, 2024, and enroll and register for full-time classes at San Jac by July 18, 2024.
Promise has been years in the making, and the community has been greatly impacted by the scholarship.
What began as a partnership with three PISD high schools in 2020 evolved quickly in spring 2021, when the College received a generous $30 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, which led to the expansion of the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship.
This donation, coupled with additional donations from employees, partners, and community members, has allowed a student success endowment to be established for all eligible highschool seniors residing in the College taxing district to receive the scholarship.
Ricketson said that to date, a preliminary count for October 2023 has shown that the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship has helped 6,722 students overall attend college.
“The success of the Promise scholarship creates a pathway for everyone and helps these future San Jac Ravens soar to success,” said Ricketson.