HCC ranks among top in awarding associates degrees to Hispanic students

Sep 14, 2015

In the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, Houston Community College is proud to announce a new achievement. According to Community College Week’s Top 100 Associate Degree Producers, of the 1,200 two-year institutions, HCC ranks No. 2 in granting associates degrees in all disciplines to Hispanic students. HCC is one of the most diverse community colleges in the nation with Hispanics making up 35 percent of the student population.

“Houston is so diverse and that is what draws industry to our area,” said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor. “When you look at the demographics of Houston, we are today right at 50 percent Hispanic and by 2020, we will have 51 percent of our students in higher ed who are Hispanic.”

Dr. Maldonado plans to highlight the accomplishments of Hispanic students at HCC and the growing number of Hispanics pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields— during presentations to community leaders, educators, parents and their children at the Latino Education Summit on Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19 at Rice University.

HCC will also honor recipients of the Hispanic Scholarship Council Scholarship and sponsors during a luncheon on Friday, Oct. 9. These are just some of the many events involving HCC – that are taking place during Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15- Oct. 15.

Community College Week also named HCC the No. 2 two-year institution in granting associates degrees in Liberal Arts and No. 4 among all two-year institutions in granting associates degrees in all disciplines. To learn about programs and associates degrees offered at HCC, visit hccs.edu.