Fast Track program puts students in paying jobs in under 12 months

Dec 3, 2021Amanda Fenwick
Fast track HVAC program at San Jacinto College.

San Jacinto College providing tuition-free training

PASADENA, Texas — San Jacinto College has launched the Fast Track Tuition Discount Program, offering a 100% tuition discount in programs that can be completed in under a year. In addition to offering the discount on tuition, the College will also pay for any required books, supplies, and/or uniforms.

"We know that many of our students and community members may have been adversely affected or displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic, so this program is designed to help those individuals," said Shelley Rinehart, acting vice chancellor for instructional support and program efficacy. "Our goal is to provide programs that can be completed in less than a year that will put graduates into a job making a livable wage in order to support their families."

This Fast Track program is funded through dollars allocated to the College from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to help students affected by the pandemic. It is also being provided in parallel with the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) program from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Association of Community Colleges. According to the TRUE website, the TRUE program aims to prepare students for in-demand careers, accelerating their transition to work while also building an enduring education infrastructure to support a thriving Texas economy throughout the diverse regions of the state.

In October, the Texas Legislature approved a $15 million appropriation for the TRUE initiative. State Rep. Tan Parker noted in a press release that "Texas is a leading state for population growth, and our diverse economy requires a robust and prepared workforce to continue attracting investment and economic vitality. Additionally, with current worker shortages, the TRUE initiative will continue to provide an edge to students seeking in-demand careers and help fulfill industry needs for a 21st century workforce."

Texas community colleges provide more than 92% of workforce credentials in the state, and community colleges enroll more than 525,000 higher education students in the state.

"We know that every student and every situation is unique, but we hope that by providing this tuition discount students will be able to complete their certificate and gain a job that can better their lives and the lives of their families," said San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. "We are grateful to our state legislature for making these funds available for this purpose so that we can remain focused on helping our students and the economy of our state."

Programs offered as part of the TRUE initiative and Fast Track program at San Jacinto College include credit and continuing education courses in areas such as ...

  • Health science
  • Logistics and transportation
  • Aerospace
  • Computer science
  • Diesel technology
  • Pipefitting
  • Welding
  • HVAC
  • Merchant mariner
  • Truck driving
  • Inspection technology
  • Introduction to craft skills

The discount will be applied automatically when students register, if the program is eligible for the funding. For San Jacinto College scholarship opportunities, visit sanjac.edu/grants.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. San Jacinto College is among the top five community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence, and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College spans five campuses serving approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually, and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. San Jacinto College's impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, which supports 13,044 jobs. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA and Aa2 by Standard & Poor's and Moody's.

For more information about San Jacinto College call 281-998-6150, visit sanjac.edu or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.