
Caleb Hill felt as if he’d hit a grand slam when he enrolled at San Jacinto College: He was joining a champion baseball team and getting his degree covered 100%.
The La Porte High School graduate has played ball since age 4, so it’s no surprise he wanted to continue swinging a bat in college and beyond. That’s when the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship stepped up to the plate, removing the cost barrier so Hill could focus on classes and competition.
“The Promise Scholarship means a lot since it provides nearly free access to a college education, and it has been invaluable to my family,” Hill said.
To qualify, students simply pledge on time, apply to San Jac, complete all financial
aid requirements, and enroll by the deadlines.
The scholarship gives students like Hill a seamless pathway to a workforce certificate or associate degree so they can focus on learning rather than worrying about finances.
For Hill, San Jac’s strong baseball program — with five national championships and 28 junior college World Series appearances — was also a draw.
“I came to San Jac because it was close to home and because of the quality of the baseball team,” he said. “The team has a history of being consistently strong, and I wanted to be part of a program that would challenge me.”
The freshman has already built a solid foundation on the San Jac Ravens baseball team. On and off the field, the culture is about preparation, teamwork, and consistency — traits that translate beyond the ballpark.
“My experience [in baseball] has surpassed my expectations,” he said. “The friendships I've gained have been amazing. I've made great connections with not just my teammates but with the coaches as well.”
Hill knows success — from hitting a home run to beat his high school’s district rival to qualifying for first team all-district in his senior year. He also graduated with a high GPA.
He’s pursuing engineering at San Jac, though he hopes to play pro after college. Regardless, the field is wide open with options.
I came to San Jac because it was close to home and because of the quality of the baseball team. The team has a history of being consistently strong, and I wanted to be part of a program that would challenge me.
How has he balanced academics and athletics so far? Juggling labs and lineups requires discipline.
“I try to maintain a set schedule for schoolwork after baseball, with designated study times for assignments,” he said. “Good time management is key.”
Why would he suggest other high school seniors pursue San Jac? For students eyeing both a degree and the diamond, Promise @ San Jac makes that call easy.
“It will be worth it — for baseball and academics,” he said. “The teachers are readily available to help you, and the courses aren't overly difficult depending on your major.”
The gala will be Friday, April 24, 6 p.m., at the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical,
Energy, & Technology on the Central Campus. Guests will enjoy a spirited fashion show,
meaningful student stories, and opportunities to invest in the futures of local youth.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now.
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. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.