From Dreams to Degrees: Abram's Journey with AlamoPROMISE
September 10, 2025
Abram Tenorio believed his life after high school would lead him directly into the workforce – until he learned about the AlamoPROMISE program and he was able to envision a different path for himself. This new journey began at St. Philip’s College (SPC), where Abram, interested in engineering, started pursuing an Associate of Science degree with 100% of tuition and fees covered.
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“In high school, I never did think of college. I would have never thought I would be in this situation." |
The financial relief provided by AlamoPROMISE, along with additional benefits from the Alamo Colleges District (ACD) such as free textbook rentals, enabled Abram to concentrate on his studies. As a result, he was able to deeply engage at the college and in off-campus experiential learning, ultimately leading to SPC faculty and staff recognized him as an outstanding student.
“Abram is one of the hardest-working and most dedicated students I have ever had the pleasure of working with in my 18 years in higher education,” said Elizabeth Castillo, Director of Student Success at SPC.
While studying at SPC, Abram, a first-generation college student, seized extracurricular opportunities that he hadn’t realized were available at a community college. He participated in the Student Leadership Institute and the First Year Experience Program and gained valuable hands-on career experience through internships at CPS Energy and Atwell.
“I thought I would just be the ordinary student at any college. Just going to class, working, and going back home – on repeat. Never did I think that I would have all these opportunities.” |
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As his journey at SPC continued, Abram faced new challenges that ACD faculty helped him navigate, including deciding whether to switch majors or pursue a double major.
“I expressed my concerns to my professors and mentors, and they helped me navigate what I liked, what was comfortable, and what I was passionate about. College is much easier with the support of my professors,” said Abram.
After graduating from St. Philip’s College with an Associate of Science, Abram transferred to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) with the support of the AlamoPROMISE to UTSA Bold Promise program, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Abram believes his ongoing success is rooted in the invaluable care and support he received as a student at the Alamo Colleges District, which will continue to open doors for him in the future.
“I am confident that I will land an engineering position in my field, allowing me to grow professionally. Without the Alamo Colleges, I wouldn’t have the same opportunities to secure a job after graduation,” Abram said.