Education
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
Houston Community College, chamber partner to fund IT certifications
Funding certifications HCC Southwest’s Digital and Information Technology Center of Excellence will receive $200,000 to fund 300 certifications, including: A+ Certification For roles such as help desk technician, IT support specialist or technical support specialist
The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce part- nered with Houston Community College and other higher education institutions to provide full tuition to 300 students seeking short-term industry-driven certifications. At a March 5 ceremony announcing the partner- ship, officials said the certificates are a starting point for potential job-seekers looking to develop their careers in information technology. In addition to receiving technical skills, HCC will aid scholarship recipients in developing soft skills to support career planning, such as teamwork, col- laboration and leadership, HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher said. “A skilled workforce is a magnet that draws indus- tries and corporations to the region and continues the growing economy and prosperity that benefits
us all,” Fisher said. “Scholarship recipients will not only remain skilled, but they will be better prepared for leadership goals in their career field.” How they got here The Texas Reskilling and Upskilling Through Education, or TRUE, grant is aimed at providing residents with industry-recognized certifi- cations through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce received $600,000 from the THECB in partnership with HCC, Wharton County Junior College and Texas State Technical College, according to the THECB. “Our long-term standing relationship and [HCC’s leadership] is making a direct and meaningful impact on the future of Fort Bend County,” FBCC Chair Jim Rice said.
Network+ Certification For roles such as network administrator or support specialist
Security+ Certification For roles such as cybersecurity technician, IT security support specialist or network security technician
SOURCE: JIM RICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Looking ahead Scholarship eligibility is open to all HCC students regardless of Fort Bend County residence, an HCC official said. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
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