
A strong journey is made possible through partnership and trust. At San Jac, collaboration with donors, industry leaders, and community partners plays a vital role in expanding access, strengthening workforce pathways, and supporting students from enrollment to career.
When Alexis West walked across the stage at San Jacinto College’s May commencement, she wasn’t just earning her diploma. She was making history. West became one of Texas’ first students to receive a state professional license alongside a diploma, thanks to an innovative partnership between the College and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The new program allows students to take their state licensing exams as their final course assessment so they can enter the workforce immediately.
This groundbreaking initiative was made possible partly thanks to the David Waters Memorial Fund, which covered the exam fees for participating students. Established through the San Jacinto College Foundation, the fund honors the late Waters, a beloved San Jacinto College cosmetology instructor for nearly 40 years. The veteran and lifelong advocate for student success left a legacy that continues to transform lives.
For Alyssa Mullins, the dream of becoming a teacher began in childhood. She would line up her dolls and friends in make-believe classrooms, already imagining a future where she could shape young minds. But as life brought new responsibilities — full-time work, two children, and youth sports — that dream seemed increasingly out of reach.
Mullins earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in early childhood education at the College in December, thanks largely to the Chesmar Foundation Scholarship through the San Jacinto College Foundation. The scholarship provided critical financial relief, allowing her to commit to her education while caring for her family.
When Steve Altemus looks at San Jacinto College students, he sees more than learners. He sees the future of Houston’s economy and the skilled workforce that will propel the next era of exploration.
Altemus, CEO and founder of Intuitive Machines, knows firsthand how education changes journeys. A former NASA engineer turned entrepreneur, he has spent his career breaking barriers — first in aerospace, now in workforce opportunity. Through the Altemus Family Touch Labor Scholarship and support of the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship, he and his wife, Brunella, are investing in students who are ready to lift off but face financial or social barriers to getting there.
“College is possible,” Altemus said. “Your path might be different from someone else’s, but it’s yours — and it’s worth pursuing.”