Community Connections: Young mother makes history at Middle College High School at HCC Gulfton

May 7, 2015

Laura Diaz is the first person to graduate from the Middle College High School at Houston Community College Gulfton Center and the 21-year-old mother did it in one semester. Partnering with the Houston Independent School District, the school opened its doors to 135 students in Fall 2014. The partnership allows for at-risk students to secure high school degrees through flexible schedules and accelerated programs.

“It is a privilege to be part of an initiative that assists students with completing their studies, thereby serving as a bridge to higher education,” said Dr. Betty Fortune, HCC Southwest executive dean of Instruction and Student Services.

Diana del Pilar, principal of Middle College High School, said the structure middle college system was made with students like Diaz in mind. “At her age, she felt that it would be awkward to return to high school and try to blend in with teenagers. The Middle College High School was more age appropriate,” said del Pilar.

Diaz dropped out of Bellaire High School because she had a baby and could not attend classes on a regular basis. Diaz now plans on continuing her education by taking online courses at HCC Southwest. She is not sure what career field she wants to pursue but is excited about the future.

“It has been a long but satisfying journey for me,” Diaz said. “I think my next step is to try to become an ultrasound technician and start off at HCC Southwest with online classes.”

While Diaz has officially has completed her course work early, she plans to walk in graduation on May 16 with the rest of her classmates.

For more information about Middle College High School at HCC Gulfton visit hccs.edu.