DALLAS – Jose Alvarez describes himself as a struggling, first-generation student at El Centro College. His hardships include a lack of transportation and food. But he has made himself and his family a promise to “never give up.”
“My college experience at the moment is going 50-50. This was probably one of my hardest weeks I’ve had yet because I’m dealing with issues like transportation and definitely in need of a healthy meal,” he said. “Ramen Noodles are not the wave, but I’m definitely grateful to have this scholarship that’s helping me and my fellow classmates,” he said, referring to a last-dollar scholarship from the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) Foundation.
Alvarez, a 2018 graduate of Grand Prairie High School, heard about Dallas Promise when it was introduced to his high school during his senior year. “It really changed the lives of those who struggle or have life happening at the moment,” he said.
Dallas County Promise—a massive effort to send every graduating senior to college for free—has not only been successful but transformative, according to administrators of the program.
“We are excited to welcome more than 2,500 Promise students to our seven colleges in the Dallas County Community College District’s system this fall,” said Dr. Joe May, Chancellor of DCCCD.“That’s a significant number of new students and, because it’s our first year for the Promise program, those students represent hours and hours of work done by DCCCD and our education partners, participating school districts, the Commit Partnership, early college high schools, and universities that all are investing in the Promise.”
Alvarez said Dallas Promise has made it possible for him to attend college.
“This scholarship not only helps you pay for your school, but it also makes sure that you’re all set, especially if you’re doing this by yourself with no other people to help,” he said
