As artificial intelligence reshapes the economy and the cost of college continues to climb, the College Promise movement is marking its 10th anniversary with a major convening in San Antonio that could reshape how America approaches workforce development and higher education access.
The two-day symposium, hosted by Alamo Colleges District, brings together college leaders, industry executives, philanthropists, and policymakers to tackle one of the most pressing questions of our time: How do we prepare Americans for jobs that don’t exist yet while making education affordable and accessible?
Event Details
When: October 20-21, 2025
Time: October 20, 8am – October 21, 2pm CDT
Where: Alamo Colleges District, 2222 North Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78215
Registration: Opens August 19th
Contact: Michelle Cooper at [email protected]
Why This Gathering Matters Now
The College Promise movement has grown from a handful of programs to over 450 initiatives nationwide, providing tuition-free pathways to higher education in communities across America. But as the organizers note, “The convergence of workforce disruption, AI transformation, and funding uncertainty creates both crisis and opportunity.”
With traditional job categories disappearing and new roles emerging rapidly, Promise programs that can adapt and demonstrate clear value won’t just survive—they’ll become essential community infrastructure. The question driving this anniversary convening is: how do we scale these solutions when the old playbook no longer works?
Who Should Attend
The symposium is designed for:
- College Promise Leaders ready to expand their impact beyond traditional students
- Industry Leaders seeking proven talent pipeline solutions
- Philanthropists looking for scalable models that deliver measurable outcomes
- Policy Makers designing workforce development strategies
- Students and Career Changers who need skills that lead to real opportunities
What to Expect
The agenda addresses both celebration and strategy, including:
- National celebration of 10 years of College Promise, honoring students, leaders, and communities
- Financial reality check from business and philanthropy leaders on evolving funding landscapes
- Workforce Pell preparation strategies for the upcoming expansion of short-term credential funding
- Innovative financing models, including income-share agreements and employer partnerships
- Career navigation lessons from athletes and professionals who’ve successfully reinvented themselves
- AI and future skills frameworks for preparing learners for rapidly changing work
- Texas spotlight, featuring the Alamo Promise and strategic partnerships in lifelong learning
- Collaborative visioning sessions to design the next decade of Promise programs
The Bigger Picture
As states take on growing roles in workforce development and employers invest more in upskilling and reskilling, the College Promise model represents a proven approach to community-based solutions. These programs have demonstrated that when public, private, and philanthropic partners work together, they can create pathways to opportunity that respond to local needs while feeding the national talent pipeline.
The timing of this anniversary gathering reflects the urgency many communities feel about preparing their residents for an economy transformed by artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and emerging technologies. The demand for adaptable, skilled talent is growing just as traditional financing models for education face new pressures.
A Nonpartisan Movement
One of College Promise’s strengths has been its nonpartisan, community-rooted approach. Programs adapt to local and regional cultures and needs, making them resilient and responsive. As organizers put it, “Today, every hardworking American still aspires to achieve the American Dream — and together, College Promise programs are building the pathways to make it possible.”
The San Antonio convening promises to be more than a celebration—it’s positioned as a strategic planning session for a movement that sees itself as “more essential than ever” in an era of rapid change.
Practical Details:
- Refunds available up to 7 days before the event
- In-person attendance only
- Registration opens August 19th
For more information and to register when applications open, contact Michelle Cooper at [email protected].
