HCC announces grants from JP Morgan Chase and ExxonMobil
Aug 22, 2014
At the August meeting of the Houston Community College Board of Trustees, JP Morgan Chase announced a grant for $100,000 to fund the expansion of the Capital IDEA program at HCC Northeast College.
“Our region does not produce enough skilled workers to fill available jobs,” said Carolyn Watson, Vice President of Global Philanthropy for the JP Morgan Chase Foundation in making the presentation. “This is an investment for the future of the region and for our workers.”
The JP Morgan Chase grant will allow students who wish to obtain an Associate Degree or college level certificate in a STEM related career the ability to enroll at no cost for tuition, fees and books, with no loans or paybacks necessary. Upon completion, an average worker can move quickly into a job that pays an average of $17 an hour. The Capital IDEA program is ongoing at HCC Southeast, HCC Southwest and HCC Northeast colleges.
Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor, announced that Houston Community College was one of five community colleges receiving a $5,000 grant from ExxonMobil to support students entering technical careers in the petrochemical industry. Five students in Welding Technology each will be awarded a $1,000 grant to support their education.
The Board joined Dr. Maldonado in presenting a $40,000 check to representatives of the March of Dimes. This check represents the donations of students, faculty, staff and administrators collected during the annual March for Babies Campaign.
Along with approving routine business of the District, the Board approved the operating budget for the 2014-2015 fiscal year that is 0.5% lower than the budget for the past year and reflects no increase in the M&O tax rate.
The Board approved the Capital and Technology Plan that will fund instructional equipment, upgrade/replace IT equipment, and address maintenance and security upgrade needs. The Board also approved the monthly finance and investment reports, and personnel agenda items.