Houston City College is working to provide opportunities for high-demand fields with its Connect 2 Workforce Program.
What’s happening?
The program offers scholarships for dozens of short-term training tracks in construction, digital technology, health sciences, manufacturing and transportation, which can all be completed in less than 16 weeks, officials said.
Following program completion, graduates may qualify for technician jobs in several fields including air conditioning, plumbing, electrocardiography, phlebotomy, patient care, welding, commercial truck drivers and data analysts.
“Not everyone needs or wants a four-year degree,” said Daniel Dylla, HCC director of instructional initiatives. “Right now, Houston needs skilled workers who can quickly step into roles where demand is high.”
Zooming out
The college also launched its Houston Reconnect Initiative, a scholarship program aimed at supporting students financially by paying tuition and fees for those who are interested in finishing their degree at HCC.
The program is the first of its kind in the state of Texas, following efforts that were piloted in other markets, including Tennessee and Massachusetts, HCC Southwest College President Michael Webster said in an email.
Eligible students must:
Be 25 years or olderHave earned a 2.5 GPA at HCCHave earned 15 credit hours toward a credential of value or 25 hours toward an associate’s degreeHave been out of college between one and five yearsHave no outstanding debt with HCCIn their own words
“Both of these programs allow HCC to make a profound difference for people who may wish to quickly earn a credential or move on toward an academic degree,” Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher said. “We are keenly aware of the needs of our region’s employers, and we are helping people on their path toward taking jobs that need to be filled.”
Going forward
Information on the Connect 2 Workforce program is available at www.hccs.edu/connect2, while students interested in the reconnect program should request information at [email protected].