A Look At The Houston Community College System

The colleges work collaboratively to design curricula that meet the needs of the diverse population of students who attend. The entrance standards for the colleges are very lenient so that students who may have difficulty in an area are able to take courses to help them reach the college academic level they need in order to attain their certification or degree.

Students can attend HSSC through distance learning where they receive college credits. The colleges have set up ESL centers to provide students who need to learn English a positive environment to excel. Adults who want to complete high school will find an Adult Learning program designed especially for them. The faculty work diligently to encourage students from the time they first enter the HCCS system and help them to succeed.

A simple questionnaire walks every individual wishing to attend Houston Community College System through a set of questions that helps them to recognize their major interest. Students find that they may be interested in a field that they had not thought about before. One of the parts of the questionnaire asks the individual if the education is for immediate entry into the workforce or if it for higher education. Upon making a selection the individual is walked through the steps to establish a plan for meeting their objectives.

For people who want to transfer to a university from the HCCS there are programs designed for majors that include college transfer credits for each course. A student meeting with their advisor is provided with a worksheet and objective report that guides them through the entire educational process and tells them what they need to complete to enter the University.

A College Connection Center is designed for students who are leaving high school and entering the collegiate environment. Students are provided with training on how to study and learn. They also are introduced to their advisors who will assist them through the application process and help them to find funding sources if they need them.

Changing careers and the need to develop new skill sets has frustrated many individuals who have lost their job. However, HCCS has designed Ongoing Education Programs which deal specifically with the needs of these individuals. Courses include training for individuals who are just entering a new career and for those who are developing further skills. They also provide certification programs for individuals who are embarking on a new phase of their career.

Through the collaboration of the seven colleges that comprise the Houston Community College System and private sponsors there are several scholarships programs available for students. Unlike many colleges many of the scholarships are broad based and do not have a residential requirement to meet qualification for funding. In addition advisors assist all students in getting necessary resources to further their education.