San Jac receives Houston Endowment grant to advance student success and workforce readiness
PASADENA, Texas – San Jacinto College has been awarded a $500,000 grant by Houston Endowment to help the College strengthen its programs and student support services as it implements Texas House Bill 8 (HB 8) and Senate Bill 1786 (SB 1786). The investment will support the development of strategies that help more students complete credentials of value, transfer successfully, and enter high-demand, high-wage careers aligned with Texas workforce needs.
San Jacinto College is one of nine Gulf Coast community colleges selected for funding. The investment will help the College build the tools and systems needed to meet the new state requirements and better serve students, which includes improving program design, upgrading data and advising services, and ensuring training aligns with today’s workforce needs.
“This grant strengthens our capacity to design pathways that get students to the finish line – whether that means a credential that leads directly to a good job or a seamless transfer to a university,” said San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. “At San Jac, we are committed to ensuring every student has an affordable, achievable route to opportunity.”
San Jacinto College serves a diverse student population with academic transfer pathways, workforce training, and innovative programs designed to meet employer demand in the Greater Houston region. The College has previously partnered with Houston Endowment, including a $1.5 million grant to support the launch of a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education to help the teacher shortage.
“Houston Endowment’s investment underscores the essential role community colleges play in shaping the region’s workforce and expanding economic mobility,” Hellyer said. “We are grateful for their continued partnership as we work to create transformative opportunities for our students and community.”
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. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It 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. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
