HOWARD COUNTY, Texas — Only 20% of high school graduates in the Howard County area go on to finish a college degree, according to the Texas Higher Education Board. Financial constraints remain the biggest barrier to higher education.
But Howard College is stepping up with a unique solution and a promise that could change everything.
On Wednesday, the community college announced its Open Roads Promise program, an initiative designed to increase access to tuition-free college education for students in rural communities. Open Roads aims to remove financial barriers, supporting high school graduates as they pursue associate degrees or certificates at Howard College to prepare for high-demand, well-paying careers.
Brenda Mador, Howard College's chief of staff and institutional advancement officer, illustrated the college's vision, saying, “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough, and we absolutely embody that around [Howard College].”
Howard College prides itself on being a community institution that helps dreams come true. Before those dreams can become reality, the college is making a promise to students.
“Open Roads is for everybody,” Mador said. “When we say ‘all,’ we really mean everybody. It doesn’t matter what a student’s financial situation is; many programs are geared toward specific economic demographics, but this is for everybody.”
Experts in higher education say that access and affordability are often the main challenges students face. This tuition-free program not only helps students attend college but will also equip them with the tools to excel.
Mador explained that the program provides advising to students while they’re still in high school.
“We help them fill out a FAFSA to maximize any funding they can get,” she said. “We help them with enrollment, and once they get to Howard College, there are all sorts of built-in supports they can gain while they are here.”
Students can also receive a “last-dollar scholarship” through the program.
“It basically covers the gap between, say, the Pell Grant and any other scholarships the student has,” Mador said. “If there’s any gap between the tuition and fees owed, it will be covered.”
Scholarships will vary based on each student’s financial needs.
At the program’s launch, students made the first part of their Howard College pledge by signing their names and celebrating the occasion.
Howard College President Cheryl Sparks took note of how happy the students were, dancing and enjoying the moment.
“The first step is making that pledge, making that decision,” Sparks said. “It’s just like any other goal—until you decide you’re going to do something, you’re just kind of floundering. I don’t know about you, but when I sign my name, I’m saying, ‘OK, I’m going to do this.’ They were dancing and celebrating, and it was a great celebration of life and opportunity.”
But Sparks says the real joy lies in what’s ahead.
“Howard County is known to be a crossroads in West Texas, and we refer to ourselves that way,” Sparks said. “When you’re driving those roads, you think more and dream more. Open Roads signifies the sky is the limit, it’s just a matter of getting on the road and let's go.”
The Open Roads Promise is Howard College’s way of saying they see every student, believe in every student, and are ready to invest in every student.
In its first year, the program will work with participating high schools in Dawson, Glasscock, Howard, and Martin counties.
To be eligible, seniors at participating high schools must submit a “Promise Pledge” by May 15, 2025. Additional requirements include completing financial aid and college applications by priority deadlines and meeting academic and attendance standards.
The first cohort of Open Roads Promise students is expected to enroll in Fall 2025.