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FamiliesFree College Handbook: How to Start Tuition-Free Programs
This handbook helps leaders create free college programs in their communities. Written by experts at the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, it answers 25 common questions about Promise programs - local scholarships that cover college tuition for residents. The guide is for mayors, college leaders, nonprofits, and community groups who want to remove tuition barriers and increase college attendance. Most Promise programs only cover tuition and fees, not housing, food, books, or transportation. But even covering just tuition can change expectations, get more students into college, and make communities better places to live and work. The Kresge Foundation funded this updated 2025 version, which includes videos and connects to a new Promise Programs Hub website with program databases and research.
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Tax Prep Volunteer
Jan 15, 202650 Waugh Dr, Houston
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Youth Sports Coach
Feb 1, 20261600 Louisiana St, Houston
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Crisis Line Volunteer
Feb 1, 20264615 Post Oak Pl Dr, Houston
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Hospital Volunteer
Feb 1, 20266565 Fannin St, Houston
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Senior Companion
Feb 1, 20263303 Main St, Houston
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Phone Bank Volunteer
Feb 1, 20261900 Kane St, Houston
Resources
What Your Community Built
Houston is rich with organizations, services, and civic structures built for you. Here is what your community has created.
Services716 listedFree
12 Steps to Mental Immunity Workshop
This workshop teaches you 12 steps to think clearly and avoid bad ideas that mig
24/7 Crisis Text Line for Anxiety Support
Free 24/7 text support for anyone feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Trained volunt
988 Spanish Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotline
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free mental health support in Spani
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free 24/7 crisis support for anyone having thoughts of suicide or facing emotion
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
A free 24/7 crisis support service for anyone having thoughts of suicide or goin
Academic and Social-Emotional Learning Programs
Children's Aid helps kids succeed in school and life through programs that suppo
Organizations760 mappedCommunity
3 Minute Storyteller
Teaches people how to share their stories clearly in just 3 minutes. Builds stor
8 Step Listen
Teaches people how to have better conversations and truly listen to each other.
92NY Belfer Center
Helps people from different backgrounds talk with each other better and work on
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
A free phone number you can call or text when you're feeling really sad, scared,
A Better Way
A Better Way helps people who struggle with drugs or alcohol get better and live
AAAS
Science and technology policy fellowships for scientists and engineers shaping f
Community
Progress & Bright Spots
organizing
East End Rail Safety Task Force
2024Active campaign for federal rail safety enforcement
East End residents organized a task force to address railroad safety concerns in their neighborhood. The campaign is active and pushing for federal rail safety enforcement.
Source: East End community organizations
Read moreNeighborhood
Houston Community Land Trust
The Houston Community Land Trust acquires and stewards land for permanently affordable housing, protecting neighborhoods from displacement.
Houston Community Land Trust
Planet
Navigator CO2 Pipeline cancellation
Community organizing across rural Iowa and five states stopped the Navigator CO2 pipeline. The 1,342-mile project was canceled on October 20, 2023.
Bold Alliance
The Bigger We
Dining with Purpose Houston
97% of Dining with Purpose participants felt stronger community connection. The program brought people from all walks of life to the same table — half were food insecure.
Houston Food Bank / More in Common
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