Q&A: Making the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship work for your family
Monique Davis Williams serves as one of the directors for San Jac Online, bringing nearly a decade of experience across San Jacinto College's student services departments. Since joining the College in 2015, Williams has held various roles in educational planning, orientation, dual credit, and admissions.
Her unique perspective extends beyond her professional role — she's also a parent whose son, Razzmon Williams, successfully navigated the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship.
This last-dollar scholarship covers tuition, books, and supplies for up to three years at San Jac, bridging the financial gap for in-district high school graduates after all other financial aid is applied.
Williams offers valuable insights for other families considering Promise @ San Jac:
A: I learned about it through work since it developed while I was there. Once it became available, I knew it would be a great opportunity for my son.
Q: What did the scholarship mean for your family?
A: It was a huge financial relief. Even though we lived out of the district, my son qualified because he attended a Pasadena ISD school. We only had to cover out-of-district fees, significantly less than paying for a four-year university. It made college much more affordable.
Q: What was the conversation about Promise @ San Jac like for your family?
A: Like many high schoolers, Razzmon wanted to go straight to a university. He had offers but not enough financial aid to make it feasible. As a family, we definitely looked at the numbers, and it made the most sense for us. Eventually, he decided on San Jac on his own, which was important. We didn't force it on him, and now he's grateful because he avoided major student debt.
Q: What was the Promise @ San Jac process like?
A: It's a three-step process:
- Pledge and apply.
- Complete the FAFSA.
- Register for classes.
If students miss a deadline, they can appeal, but we always stayed on top of it. The process itself isn't difficult, but keeping track of deadlines is crucial. If you need help, San Jac has resources for both students and parents. Parents should ask questions, attend workshops, and not hesitate to seek guidance.
Q: Did you run into any challenges with the process?
A: The FAFSA was over 100 questions long back when he applied, but now it's much shorter. The biggest challenge for families is often understanding financial aid. That's why San Jac offers FAFSA assistance days.
Q: What did your son do after finishing San Jac?
A: He transferred to Sam Houston State for a semester but ultimately moved to the University of Texas Permian Basin, allowing him to complete his degree online. He graduated with a psychology degree in December 2024. He’s currently working as an admissions advisor at the Central Campus. His long-term goal is to join the Air Force as an officer.
Q: Would you recommend the scholarship to other parents?
A: Absolutely. I always encourage students and parents to consider community college as a first option rather than a last resort. The cost savings and quality of education are unbeatable. Students can complete a certificate or degree with little to no debt, which is a huge advantage before entering the workforce or transferring to a university.
Learn more about the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s.
