HCC aims to improve adult college readiness with federal grant
Jan 2, 2017
Houston Community College was one of 143 colleges and organizations chosen to receive a five-year grant under the TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) program. The program is aimed at promoting college readiness for adults.
The grant will provide readily accessible college guidance to adults who may not otherwise quickly decipher the steps needed for college admissions and continued success through graduation.
“The grant will help guide 1,000 adults toward acquiring the skills they need for 21st century jobs,” says Dr. LaTonya Jones, Interim Director of EOC. The Educational Opportunity Center at HCC will provide specialized information for adults seeking to find resources available to them in pursuing higher education.
Participants will be connected to tutors, mentors, and advisors for guidance on admission, financial aid and postsecondary course selection. For those who have not finished high school, help will be offered on secondary school re-entry or high school equivalency exam programs, or other alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts.
EOC projects also provide services to students traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, including students with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and other disadvantaged groups, such as those who are homeless, exiting foster care or otherwise disconnected.
"This investment in adult college readiness is particularly noteworthy given recent workforce projections that nearly 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school," says HCC Chancellor Dr. Cesar Maldonado.
Educational Opportunity Centers are one of eight federal grant programs collectively known as the Federal TRIO Programs. TRIO Programs identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. They help low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.
The project will be housed at HCC Southeast College. For more information visit hccs.edu/trioeoc.