College Promise Celebrates 10 Years of Impact at National 10th Anniversary & Careers Institute

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 14, 2025 -- College Promise is proud to celebrate its 10th Anniversary & Careers Institute, taking place October 20–21, 2025, at the Alamo Colleges District's Palo Alto College in San Antonio, TX. This milestone event marks a decade of progress for the national movement that has redefined college access and economic opportunities for millions across the United States.

Since launching in 2015, College Promise has evolved from a bold idea into a nationwide network of over 450 Promise programs, spanning every state and enabling students to pursue higher education without the burden of unmanageable debt. The 10th Anniversary & Careers Institute will both honor this impact and chart the next decade of opportunity, connecting education, careers, and community growth.

As part of this celebration, College Promise will present the National Impact Award to 15 exemplary Promise programs whose work demonstrates the transformative power of community-driven commitment to student success. These awardees represent the best of the Promise movement, expanding access to higher education, supporting completion, and creating clear, sustainable pathways from college to career.

The 2025 College Promise National Impact Award honorees are:

• AlamoPROMISE
• Arizona Promise Program
• Colorado Promise
• Detroit Promise
• Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship
• Hope Chicago
• Los Angeles College Promise
• M.J. Foster Promise Program
• Massachusetts Free Community College Program
• New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship
• North Star Promise
• Richmond Promise
• Say Yes Buffalo
• Valley Promise
• Washington Student Achievement Council

"These 15 programs embody the promise of what's possible when communities invest in their students," said Rosye Cloud, interim CEO, College Promise. "By helping students pursue college and careers, they are not only changing lives, they are strengthening their communities, building the workforce of the future, and setting an example for programs nationwide."

The Careers Institute, held in conjunction with the anniversary celebration, will bring together educators, policymakers, employers, philanthropic leaders, and students to explore innovative strategies that bridge the gap between education and workforce opportunities. Attendees will engage in sessions on career pathways, sustainable financing, employer partnerships, and equitable access to higher education, all designed to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing economy.

Event highlights include:

• Key perspectives from national leaders in education, workforce development, and philanthropy.
• Panel discussions featuring innovative Promise programs from across the nation.
• Stories and insights from students and alums whose lives have been transformed by Promise programs.
• Networking sessions connecting employers, policymakers, and educators to strengthen pathways from college to careers.

Read the full press release here.

‍