The West Houston Association and Houston Community College are working together to connect students with local engineering firms to improve educational opportunities and workforce development in the region. Houston Community College (HCC) currently has over 3,000 declared Engineering Science majors perusing an Associate Degree designed to meet the junior level engineering prerequisites of a 4-year engineering bachelors’ degree. HCC campuses in West Houston have partnerships with universities including UT Tyler and Texas A&M, and transfers students to universities throughout the country. The newest partnership is with the University of Houston through the UH/HCC Engineering Academy at Katy where students are co-enrolled at both institutions, and currently offers two Academy locations: at Katy, and at Fraga Eastside.
The collaboration between WHA and HCC seeks to engage more local engineering firms to provide mentors for students and internship opportunities, such that graduates are well prepared for the workforce by making connections and gaining experience while part of the program. For more information about the WHA/HCC collaborative effort contact WHA Education and Workforce Committee Vice Chair – Liz Parent, liz@5engineering.com and for more about the HCC Engineering Center or the UH/HCC Engineering Academy at Katy, contact Susan Thompson, susan.thompson@hccs.edu.