Houston is known for many things – oil, baseball, cowboys, and great food – but it is perhaps most famous as the home of NASA’s Mission Control and the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Houston has been known as “Space City” for decades, and for good reason. The city has played a critical role in space exploration and science since the inception of NASA. JSC has been at the forefront of space exploration since the Apollo program in the 1960s. It was here that the famous “Houston, we have a problem” call was made during the Apollo 13 mission, and it was here that the first moon landing was planned and executed. Today, JSC is home to more than 10,000 employees and contractors, working on everything from designing and building spacecraft to conducting research on the effects of space on the human body. NASA’s recent announcement of the Artemis 2 project has rekindled the nation’s passion for space science and exploration.

One organization that is bringing space science to Houston in a big way is Houston Community College (HCC). HCC’s commitment to innovation, community and K-12 partnerships was the inspiration to creating a space where students can envision themselves in STEM careers. HCC’s Challenger Learning Center (CLC) is an exciting addition to Houston’s STEM education landscape. The center will offer a range of immersive and hands-on simulation programs that will help inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  The CLC is modeled after the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, which was established in honor of the crew of the ill-fated Challenger orbiter. The center provides a simulated space mission experience for students, where they can take on the roles of astronauts, scientists, and engineers. The programs offered at the center will bring classroom studies to life and cultivate skills needed for future success, such as problem solving, innovative thinking, communication and teamwork.  

The CLC programs align with national STEM education standards and provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce. Houston has always been a hub for STEM education, with some of the nation’s top universities and research institutions located in the city. The CLC is a valuable addition to Houston’s STEM education, as it provides students with a unique and exciting learning experience that inspires careers in the high demand fields of science, engineering, medicine, and technology. Students, teachers and community members of all ages will have the opportunity to engage with the CLC simulation programs.  HCC’s commitment to STEM education is not just good for the city’s economy, it is also good for the country and the world. 

The Artemis 2 project is a reminder of the critical role Houston’s STEM education plays in making space exploration possible. By providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM careers, HCC is creating a pipeline of talent that will not only drive innovation and growth but will bring transformational economic mobility change for our community.

At Houston Community College (HCC) we understand that when it comes to equipping our students with the skills and credentials needed to succeed in today’s workforce, “none of us is as smart as all of us”.  As unfilled jobs abound in our region, it is exciting to see colleges, industry, and government align to equip students with credentials of value, expand access to dual credit offerings, and promote work-based learning opportunities like apprenticeships and internships.

Last year HCC convened a group of distinguished business leaders to provide guidance on target strategies that drive student success.  The work of the HCC Chancellor’s Business Champions Council is strengthening the area’s workforce, while helping advance strategies which close the region’s skills and college attainment gaps. Working together, HCC and the Business Champions Council are fostering a deeper understanding of how academic concepts are applied in practice. This aligns skills and curricula to increase the placement of college graduates in high-demand careers. 

A key component of collaboration is the emphasis on equipping students with credentials of value. This includes both traditional degrees and certificates, as well as non-degree credentials like industry certifications. By focusing on workforce credentials that are in high demand, students can be confident their education results in meaningful employment opportunities. This also benefits employers, who often struggle to find workers with the skills and qualifications they need.

Another critical component is the state’s collaboration in the expansion of funding for dual credit programs. Dual credit programs allow high school students to earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their college education and saving them money in the process. By expanding access to purposeful dual credit offerings, more students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education and gain the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

An area where all three partners weigh-in is promoting work-based learning opportunities like apprenticeships and internships. These types of programs allow students to gain real-world experience in their chosen field while still in school, making them more competitive in the job market after graduation. Work-based learning programs also benefit employers who can train and develop workers already familiar with their organization and its culture.

The need for colleges, industry, and government to collaborate as partners in equipping students with the skills and credentials needed to succeed cannot be overstated. By aligning education, skills development and funding, we can help ensure that our students are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow. It’s an exciting opportunity and a critical need if we want to close the skills gap and promote economic growth in our communities.

The collaborative effort of education, business, and the state of Texas demonstrates the commitment to align the entire talent supply chain as never before.  I thank HCC’s Chancellor’s Business Champions Council and the state’s legislative leaders for their vision and look forward to our work together to Embrace Houston’s Future (HCC’s strategic plan, 2020-2028).