Bank of America connects HCC veteran students with opportunities
May 24, 2016
As the Houston Area continues to grow, so will the demand for connectivity. That is why Bank of America is investing in veteran students enrolling in the new Electrical Line Worker program at Houston Community College (HCC).
“Education is the key to combating unemployment and underemployment. That’s why we partner with a range of national and local nonprofits to address college access and college completion with a focus on community colleges like Houston Community College,” said David Ruiz, Bank of America Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Community Engagement.
During the May meeting of the HCC Board of Trustees, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation presented the HCC Foundation with a $20,000 Workforce Development and Education grant in support of veteran students seeking to re-skill to enter the utility industry.
“We are grateful to Bank of America for their committed support. Thanks to community partners like Bank of America, we are able to touch and change the lives of those we reach,” said Dr. Adriana Tamez, chair, HCC Board of Trustees.
According to Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas, employment of line installers and repairers is projected to grow 39 percent by 2020. Line workers install and repair electrical power system and telecommunications cables. The Electrical Line Worker program at HCC will give students the tools to work with distribution companies such as CenterPoint Energy, Entergy, Texas New Mexico Power and North Houston Pole Line.
Over the years the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has provided a total of $425,000 in support of scholarships and programs at HCC.
“This gift is a wonderful example of how all of us can help make a difference when we work together to leverage our corporate relationships in the community,” said Mary Williams, president, HCC Foundation Board of Directors. “Bank of America has been a wonderful and loyal partner in our efforts.”
To learn more about the scholarships offered through the HCC Foundation, visit hccsfoundation.org. To learn more about the Electrical Line Worker program and others at HCC, visit hccs.edu/programs.