BEEVILLE, TX — Coastal Bend College officially launched its new Coastal Bend Promise Program on April 1, 2026, with a full-day tour led by college leadership to celebrate the initiative and engage directly with prospective students and community members across all CBC locations.
CBC President Dr. Zachary Z. Suarez, alongside members of administration, visited Pleasanton, Alice, Kingsville, and Beeville throughout the day, meeting with high school students and community members from Bee, Atascosa, Jim Wells, and Kleberg Counties. At each stop, students had the opportunity to learn more about the program and complete applications on-site, demonstrating strong early interest in the initiative.
The Coastal Bend Promise Program is a last-dollar tuition initiative designed to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students across the region. By covering remaining tuition and fees after financial aid is applied, the program removes financial barriers and creates a clear pathway for students to pursue a college education close to home.
The program is open to qualifying students who reside in Bee, Atascosa, Jim Wells, or Kleberg Counties, including 2026 high school graduates, GED recipients, eligible dual credit students, and adult learners beginning or continuing their educational journey. Participants must meet academic requirements, including TSI completion, full-time enrollment, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
The launch events were designed to be both informative and welcoming, with meals and refreshments provided at each campus. The day concluded with an evening gathering at the Beeville campus, bringing together students, families, and community stakeholders in celebration of this milestone initiative.
The Coastal Bend Promise Program is a pilot initiative funded through institutional resources and donor support, with awards contingent upon the availability of funds. With the support of community partners and stakeholders, the program is laying the foundation for a future in which more students can pursue a college education with little to no cost. For more information about the Coastal Bend Promise Program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit: https://www.coastalbend.edu/coastal-bend-promise-program/index.html
