HCC VAST Academy honored for exemplary work

Oct 6, 2016

The Houston Community College (HCC) VAST Academy is being recognized nationally for its exceptional work in providing post-secondary education to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

HCC VAST recently received the 2016 National Exemplary Program Award in the category of Community Services & Personal Enrichment from the National Council for Continuing Education and Training (NCCET).

Led by Sue Moraska, director and founder, HCC VAST Academy has been a pioneer and model for similar programs around the country.

“This award affirms the longtime commitment and support of our HCC administration, faculty, staff, along with our community and industry partners; and most importantly the success of our dedicated students, who prove our motto true, ‘All that I Can I Will’,” said an honored Moraska.

Since its inception 25 years ago, HCC VAST Academy, which stands for Vocational Advancement and Skills Training, has assisted more than 4000 students with completing a career readiness certificate, with a 75-percent completion rate and a 65-percent employment success rate. In the last 5 years, more than 15 students have completed workforce certificates and even Associate’s Degrees within HCC.

“This Exemplary Program Award for the HCC VAST Academy not only provides well deserved recognition for the program’s leadership, staff and students, but it also allows other colleges a chance to learn from VAST,” said Kirk White, director of the HCC School of Continuing Education. “Our hope is to duplicate similar programs in other communities.”

For information about HCC VAST Academy, visit vast.hccs.edu.