Articles
A 'cornucopia' of services helps HCC students succeed
Oct 23, 2024
As a college committed to student success, Houston Community College (HCC) provides a variety of services to help students persist in their classes and obtain a degree or credential.
“We entered the 2024-2025 academic year determined to closely examine all our processes and programs to identify barriers to student achievement and address them,” said Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. “While this work is ongoing, I am proud of the many wraparound services HCC already provides to help our students achieve their educational goals.”
For instance, HCC addresses food insecurity issues that many students face through on-campus Eagle Markets (food pantries on-campus) and Community Health Market Trailers (once-a-month food distributions at specific campuses). These services are free, thanks to a partnership with the Houston Food Bank.
In addition, HCC provides food service operations, either full-service or healthy vending options, at 15 locations and is studying student and employee food needs to potentially expand food services at locations without full-service options. Recently, the college added “Hot Boxes,” vending machines which offer hot food and salads, at nine locations.
HCC connects students with emergency housing needs to more than a dozen area shelters and to other public assistance programs that provide rental relief and other services.
Students with an immediate financial emergency, such as paying bills, phone, internet or legal expenses, can seek help through HCC Student Services. Students with more long-term financial need can connect with financial coaches, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid including work study programs.
HCC's Career & Job Placement Services help students find a job, update their resumes, work on interview skills, and provides other employment-related assistance.
HCC provides the METRO Q Card for students with transportation challenges. The card, which is valid for two years, provides a 50% discount on fares, 5 free rides for every 50 trips, and other benefits.
The college’s Ability Services Department is a welcoming, engaging, and supportive environment that offers educational support services for students with varying abilities. The department provides a wide variety of accommodations and support to students based on their individual needs so they will have equal access to the college environment.
Further, groups such as HCC students who were in foster care, seniors and veterans may be eligible to have tuition and fees waived.
HCC’s support to students also includes other academic supports such as its 10 Digital Learning Centers located across the college system. Digital Learning Centers offer computer, tutorial and testing services while providing students a quiet and safe place to study away from home.
“In these and other ways, HCC is providing critically needed resources that help students complete their academic credentials with limited distraction or disruption to their lives,” Dr. Ford Fisher said. “Students that complete their education and find meaningful jobs are an asset to themselves, their families, and their community, and are the hallmark of a caring college.”