Jonathan Herrera knew from the start of high school he wanted to work in tech, but he also knew paying for college himself would be a major obstacle to that dream. The Dallas County Promise Program covered his tuition for all four years, and it changed the trajectory of his career.
“I would have not been able to afford it. If it wasn’t for the Dallas County Promise Program, I wouldn’t have graduated. I would have probably done something else with my life instead of going to school. I would probably be working at a warehouse job.”
Jonathan’s path took him from Grand Prairie High School (2018) to Dallas College Mountain View (2020) to East Texas A&M University (2023). After an 8-month internship at Economic Mobility Center (the non-profit that powers the Dallas County Promise), he was hired full-time as Software Development Manager in November 2023. He credits the Promise Program with more than just tuition: “Being a Promise scholar helped me build discipline. Helped me make sure I put in the effort in my college work instead of worrying about other things.”
His advice to students weighing the same opportunity: “Don’t be afraid to take an opportunity that is given to you.”
