Mission:

To inspire, empower, and educate our community for leadership and success.

Values:

Students First

Respect for All

Community-engaged

Collaboration

Can Do Spirit

Data-informed

About Us:

Palo Alto College, one of the Alamo Colleges, has been a pillar of the Southside community and remains dedicated to providing a high-quality education for the community. Originally created in 1985 from the desire to provide higher education to residents of south San Antonio, Palo Alto College has spent 30 years serving over 100,000 individuals throughout San Antonio, Bexar County, and surrounding counties.

Recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, Palo Alto College has been recognized as No. 32 in the Top 100 Associate Degrees Awarded to Hispanics. The number of degrees and certificates awarded jumped 80 percent – from 271 in 2008-09 to 489 in 2009-2010. The Center for Academic Transitions – which oversees scholarships, graduation, and transfer options – was recognized for its successful strategies in 2011 by the College Board. The average transfer rate for Hispanic students in Texas is 8.9%; at Palo Alto College, it is 38% for Hispanics.

With thousands of graduates, we continue to provide education that is accessible, with programs and resources that ensure success. Students from Palo Alto College are prepared to transition to a four-year university or advance in the workplace. By continuing to foster a strong economy on the Southside by providing valuable and desirable employees, we are able to develop relationships throughout the southern sector that ultimately benefit the entire surrounding community. We do this because all of us at Palo Alto College are dedicated to the success of our students, our employees, and our community.