Mayor’s Commission Launches Scholarship for Alamo Non-Trad Students

Published on June 16, 2025

The fund will provide financial support for parents returning to college.

SAN ANTONIO (June 16, 2025) – The City of San Antonio’s Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) has reached an agreement with the Alamo Colleges Foundation to establish a $40,000 scholarship fund for non-traditional students. The scholarship was created to assist students who have experienced a gap between high school graduation and enrollment in the Alamo Colleges District, providing financial support to parents working to advance their education.

“This initiative aims to ease financial burdens and empower individuals balancing family responsibilities while furthering their education,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’d like to commend the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women for their dedication to continuously uplifting San Antonio families.” 

The MCSW Scholarship reinforces San Antonio’s ongoing commitment to educational access and economic mobility. 

Selected recipients will receive $1,000 per semester for up to four semesters, provided they meet the following criteria:

• Enrolled at any Alamo College
• Full-time or part-time student status
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• Non-traditional student (with a gap between high school and college enrollment)
• A parent with at least one dependent child at the time of application

The 10 selected Alamo Colleges recipients include: 

• Northeast Lakeview College: Maria Tapia, Kendall Reid and Elisabeth Johnson
• Northwest Vista College: Vivian Lesmes and Megan Mendez
• Palo Alto College: Shirley Constans and Darlene Denend
• San Antonio College: Angel Bernal and Chenoa Faison
• St. Philip’s College: Luz Castro

“This scholarship fund from the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women moves us closer to our moonshot of ending poverty through education and training," said Dr. Mike Flores, Alamo Colleges District Chancellor. "It will help student parents balance family and education while opening doors to a brighter future, for themselves, their children, and our entire community."

The award may be used for tuition needs, books, educational expenses, childcare, or emergency living expenses to facilitate the continued pursuit of an educational degree.

“The Commission recognizes the determination and resilience of nontraditional students, and we are proud to support their journey toward a higher education and economic stability,” said MCSW Chair Vanessa Martinez. “By investing in San Antonio families, we are investing in the future of our community.”