Morales Memorial Foundation establishes scholarship at the Houston Community College

During the August 18, 2016 meeting of the Houston Community College Board of Trustees, representatives with the Felix and Angela Morales Memorial Foundation presented the HCC Foundation a check for $20,000 to support single parents in workforce programs and those taking classes primarily at HCC Southeast.

Single parents enrolled in workforce programs at Houston Community College (HCC) and taking classes primarily at the Southeast Campus, are getting financial support from the Felix and Angela Morales Memorial Foundation.

“We know how difficult it can be for single parents to juggle the demands of childcare and their studies while working to help ends meet,” said Dr. Adriana Tamez, HCC Board of Trustees Chair. “This scholarship will help ease the financial burden.”

During the August 18 meeting of the HCC Board of Trustees, representatives from the Morales Foundation, including family members, presented the HCC Foundation a $20,000 check. A portion of the generous funds will go to establishing the Morales Foundation Family Empowerment Scholarship.

Christina Morales, president of the Felix and Angela Morales Memorial Foundation and member of the HCC Foundation Board of Directors, is a single parent of two children. She talked about the importance of having a support system in order to be successful.

“With this new workforce scholarship, this will help empower single parents. We hope to provide more for their families and set a trend for education and stability in their homes,” said Morales.

The Morales family has historical ties to HCC and the Southeast Campus, with two buildings named after Felix H. Morales and Angela V. Morales, who recognized a need for higher education and career training in the East End community.

“The Morales Family’s generosity on behalf the students of HCC is exceptional and we are deeply honored to have the longstanding support of the Felix and Angela Morales Memorial Foundation,” said David Regenbaum, HCC Foundation Vice President.

To learn more about scholarships offered through the HCC Foundation, visit hccsfoundation.org.

Houston: Quality Texas Foundation recognizes HCC strategic plan

Steve Arms, Chair of the Board of Directors of Quality Texas Foundation, presented the Performance Excellence Award to Houston Community College for their collaborations to improve student success rates. Accepting from HCC is Dr. Michael Edwards.

– In a continuous effort to achieve excellence and enhance the student experience, Houston Community College received the first phase of the Texas Award of Performance Excellence (TAPE) awarded by Quality Texas Foundation at a ceremony in San Antonio.

“I accepted this award on behalf of HCC, the Chancellor and all my colleagues who put in a great deal of effort. We collaborated not just to win this award. The effort was ultimately centered in improving our student’s success rate. Just pursuing the TAPE recognition, we’ll get better,” said Michael Edwards, HCC Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness.

The TAPE award originated with the Quality Texas Foundation. It was established in 1994 for the purpose of highlighting the work of diverse organizations and provide a recognition of excellence to organizations including universities, hospitals and businesses. TAPE is the forerunner (initial level) to the national quality award – The Malcolm Baldrige Award.

Submitting the documentation to obtain this distinction took months of preparation for Edwards and his team. They put together a comprehensive report evaluating leadership, operations and results at HCC.

“We have to embrace data and become an even more analytical institution. In this quality journey, we will learn about our students, our institution and the communities we serve,” indicated Edwards.

The distinction of this level, he added, is a powerful validation that HCC and our efforts are progressive.

“It’s a big deal because now, our competition knows, based on this acclaim that we are serious about being recognized as one of the best in Texas and in the country.”

Edwards and his team continue to plan for the submission of additional documentation to Quality Texas Foundation in order to secure the next level of six applications in pursuit of TAPE.

To learn more about Transformation at HCC visit: www.hccs.edu/transformation

2017 Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries’ Students, UK

UK Department for International Development (DFID) offers Commonwealth Scholarships for developing countries’. Scholarships are available for pursuing Master’s, PhD and split-site (PhD) degree program at UK Universities.

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is one of the largest and most prestigious scholarship schemes for international study in the world.

Since it was established in 1959, around 34,000 individuals have benefited – 26,000 of them have held awards funded by the UK government, managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom (CSC). The CSC’s Secretariat is provided by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), which is responsible for all matters concerning selection, academic studies, and evaluation.

Applicants must hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or a second class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).

Course Level: Scholarships are available for pursuing Master’s, PhD and split-site (PhD) degree program at UK Universities.

Study Subject(s): Scholarships are awarded in all subject areas offered at UK universities, although the CSC’s selection criteria give priority to applications that demonstrate strong relevance to development.

Scholarship Award: Each scholarship provides:

Approved airfare from your home country to the UK and return at the end of your award (the CSC will not reimburse the cost of fares for dependants, nor usually the cost of journeys made before your award is finally confirmed)
Approved tuition and examination fees
Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,043 per month, or £1,279 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at 2016-2017 levels)
Thesis grant towards the cost of preparing a thesis or dissertation, where applicable
Warm clothing allowance, where applicable
Study travel grant towards the costs of study-related travel within the UK or overseas
For PhD Scholars, fieldwork grant towards the cost of fieldwork undertaken overseas (usually the cost of one economy class return airfare to your fieldwork location), where approved
For PhD Scholars, paid mid-term visit (airfare) to your home country (unless you have claimed (or intend to claim) spouse and/or child allowances during your scholarship, or have received a return airfare to your home country for fieldwork)
If your scholarship is at least 18 months long, the following family allowances: Spouse allowance of £224 per month if you and your spouse are living together at the same address in the UK (unless your spouse is also in receipt of a scholarship; other conditions also apply)
Child allowance of £224 per month for the first child, and £110 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if you are accompanied by your spouse and children and they are living with you at the same address in the UK
If they are widowed, divorced, or a single parent (irrespective of the length of your scholarship), child allowance of £448 per month for the first child, and £110 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if you are accompanied by your children and they are living with you at the same address in the UK The CSC’s family allowances are intended to be only a contribution towards the cost of maintaining your family in the UK. The true costs are likely to be considerably higher, and you must be able to supplement these allowances in order to support any family members who come to the UK with you.

Scholarship can be taken in the UK

Eligibility: To apply for these scholarships, applicants must:

Be a Commonwealth citizen, refugee, or British protected person
Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country
Be available to start their academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September/October 2017
By October 2017, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or a second class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)

The CSC promotes equal opportunity, gender equity, and cultural exchange. Applications are encouraged from a diverse range of candidates.

Nationality: Students from developing Commonwealth country can apply for these Commonwealth scholarships.

List of Countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, St Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Virgin Islands (British) and Zambia

College Admission Requirement

Entrance Requirement: Applicants must hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or a second class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).

Test Requirement: No

English Language Requirements: Applicants from outside the home country will often need to meet specific English language/other language requirements in order to be able to study there.

Government Scholarships

How to Apply: Applicants must make their application using the CSC’s Electronic Application System (EAS).

Applicants should apply to study at Master’s/PhD level at a UK university with which the CSC has a part funding agreement. Part funding agreements are at the discretion of individual universities. For a list of universities that have already agreed to part fund Commonwealth Scholarships,

All subject areas are eligible – although you should note that the CSC’s selection criteria give priority to applications that demonstrate the strongest relevance to development.

Applicants must apply to one of the following nominating bodies in the first instance – the CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships:

National nominating agencies – this is the main route of application.
Selected universities/university bodies, which can nominate their own academic staff.

Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies

All applications must be made through your nominating body in your home country. Each nominating body is responsible for its own selection process. You must check with your nominating body for their specific advice and rules for applying, their own eligibility criteria, and their own closing date for applications. The CSC does not impose any age limit on applicants, but nominating bodies may do so in line with their own priorities.

Applicants must make an application using the CSC’s Electronic Application System (EAS), in addition to any other application form that you are required to complete by your nominating body.

Applicants must provide the following supporting documentation to be received by the CSC by 6 January 2017 in order for your application to be eligible for consideration: ? References from at least two individuals ? Transcripts ? For PhD candidates only, supporting statem

References from at least two individuals
Transcripts
For PhD candidates only, supporting statem

Application Form

Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 15 November 2016 at the latest.

Scholarship Link

Understanding our heroes: Houston’s college hosts conference to serve needs of veteran community

Heroic, brave, angry, and scared. Those are some words that come to mind when we think about our nation’s veterans and their transition from the front lines back into civilian life.

Houston Community College (HCC) helps thousands of veterans and their dependents reestablish themselves into society through education and partnering with veteran servicing organizations that offer support to these military men and women.

The HCC Office of Veterans Affairs/Counseling & Disability Support Services and the Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) recently presented the UC4 (University Counseling Center Core Competency) Conference at the HCC administration building.

“Their role is to provide critical training, education, services, research, and data on how, in the higher education environment, to reintegrate veterans successfully and provide them with support services to keep them through degree completion,” said Dr. Cephas Archie, who facilitated the day-long training session.

HCC is one of six higher education institutions from around the country chosen to host the event, which brought out representatives from local universities including Texas Southern University (TSU), Sam Houston State University (SHSU), Rice University, Prairie View A&M University, and University of Houston-Downtown (UH-D) along with various veterans’ organizations from across the Greater Houston Area. HCC staff and faculty, who work closely with veteran students on a daily basis, also attended the conference.

“It’s an institutional effort to start off with the first responders. This is the population that interacts and engages with veterans and should be aware of the cultural and psychological developmental needs,” said Archie.

The conference focused on:

Culture and experience of service members and veterans on campus
The deployment cycle and impact on students
Reintegration on campus
Outreach strategies and group exercise
Overview of treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on campus

Leon Grissett, Sr., director of the HCC Office of Veterans Affairs & Student Support Services, is a retired Army veteran who believes this is a unique way to give everyone a view into a veteran’s world.

“Many of my colleagues do not know what these young men and women experienced during deployment,” said Grissett. “They are learning how to reach out to our veterans, embrace them, and help them develop better skills as students.”

The HCC Office of Veterans Affairs & Student Support Services plans to have more training sessions in the future. To learn about the HCC veteran community and programs offered on the HCC campuses, visit hccs.edu/veterans.

Houston Communication College offers new opportunities at citywide college fair

HOUSTON [August 3, 2016] – Tamika Key went to the Catch Your Success One Stop College Fair with one mission in mind: to get her niece registered for college, but a new opportunity opened up for her. Houston Community College (HCC) advisors informed Key of a little explored field for women. Key, a graduate of the HCC Certified Nurse Aid program (CNA), decided to sign up for the Welding Technology program.

“We don’t have a lot of women welders, so now it’s time for something different,” she said. “I want to be able to buy a house and not worry about finances. My new career as a welder will make that dream a reality.”

Changing lives through education is the ultimate goal of the event, which took place at the Northeast Multi-Service Center. This was the first of a series of one stop college fairs that are free, bilingual, and open to the public. Representatives from higher education institutions, workforce organizations, and support services offer vital information about college admissions, financial aid, transportation options, resume building, and career opportunities.

The Catch Your Success One Stop College Fairs are an initiative of Houston Health Department My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), a local and national effort designed to improve life outcomes for young men of color and their communities. HCC is part of the MBK Milestone 4, which is to make sure all Americans complete post-secondary education or training needed for successful careers.

“We wanted to partner with all of these resources and have it at a multi-service center in the community; because for many, college events can be intimidating,” said Dr. Melissa Gonzalez, HCC chief of staff. “If we have it in their neighborhoods they are more likely to attend.”

The Catch Your Success One Stop College Fairs are an initiative of Houston Health Department My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), a local and national effort designed to improve life outcomes for young men of color and their communities. HCC is part of the MBK Milestone 4, which is to make sure all Americans complete post-secondary education or training needed for successful careers.

“If we really want people to be college ready and make college accessible we are going to come to where the people are,” said Kristi Rangel, public health education chief, MBK-Houston Movement.

For Tamika Key, this was all about timing and this fall, she will be among the thousands of HCC students starting new chapters in their lives.

The next Catch Your Success One Stop College Fair is Saturday, September 24 at the Kashmere Multi-Service Center, 4802 Lockwood, Houston, TX 77026. Contact Kesha P. McNeil, 713.254.2831 for more information.

Houston Community College and DREME Foundation host STEM camp

HOUSTON [July 25, 2016] – Houston Community College (HCC) recently hosted the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Education Foundation (DREME) Summer Camp and STEM-OVATION Awards Ceremony and Science Fair at the Northeast campus. For the past three years, HCC has been an educational partner and host facility that has enabled more than 300 middle and high school students to experience collegiate level labs and information.

This year’s program consisted of five days of educational workshops and classroom activities for approximately 40 high school students. Camp participants took part in various STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities utilizing state-of-the-art labs and explore careers training offered in the HCC Global Energy Center of Excellence. They also learned about drone technology and career readiness education. The partnership with the DREME Foundation has helped increase enrollment at HCC.

“HCC is definitely an option for the students and we want them to know that it’s available and what resources HCC can provide,” said Kelcey White, DREME Foundation co-camp coordinator.

The closing awards ceremony gave parents, sponsors, and participants an opportunity to learn more about HCC programs and the legacy of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, a physicist and NASA astronaut who died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger.

Students presented their drone projects and were recognized for their work. After the ceremony, the Northeast campus served as the backdrop for the DREME science fair, which not only focused on STEM learning, but also challenged the students’ mental and physical abilities. Attendees engaged in interactive activities that ranged from conductive energy to aerospace technologies.

The HCC Global Energy Center of Excellence trains and educates technically-skilled and safety conscious workers for energy and related industries in Houston and surrounding regions. For more information on programs and course offerings, call 713.718.8300 or visit hccs.edu/energy.

HCC music business legend leaves lasting legacy

Photo: Dr. Aubrey Tucker (right), coordinator of the HCC Commercial Music program, transferred the copyright of the HCC Alma Mater, "Always Grateful", to Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor during the June Grand Opening of the HCC Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence. — Photo: Dr. Aubrey Tucker (right), coordinator of the HCC Commercial Music program, transferred the copyright of the HCC Alma Mater, “Always Grateful”, to Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor during the June Grand Opening of the HCC Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence.

Most gifts come wrapped in pretty packaging, but this one is special; because it symbolizes the past, present, and future of Houston Community College (HCC). No one can place a value on the institution’s song.

Dr. Aubrey Tucker, coordinator of the HCC Commercial Music program, and professor in the Division of Audio, Film, and Music Business, composed Always Grateful, which is played at the end of HCC graduation ceremonies. The recent grand opening of the Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence served as the perfect occasion for Dr. Tucker to gift HCC Chancellor, Dr. Cesar Maldonado, full rights to the HCC Alma Mater.

“I felt that I needed to formally gift it to the college,” said Dr. Tucker. “I wanted to make sure this song was outright owned by HCC and its students – where it belongs.”

The legal transfer of ownership rights to HCC was a parting token from Tucker, who after 31 years of being a teacher, mentor, and friend to students, colleagues, and business partners, is retiring from his day to day activities at the Spring Branch campus.

The accomplished musician came to HCC in 1985 after answering a newspaper ad to start a commercial music program. It opened to 200 students and today the program boasts nearly 2,000 students studying audio, video, film, music business, and academic music.

“He is an excellent professor. He connects with his students,” said Mathew Knowles, former student, current advisory board member, multi-platinum record producer, and father of superstar Beyoncé. “Dr. Tucker taught me that when you live your passion, you never work a day in your life.”

It is that passion, compassion, and dedication to his craft that resonates with everyone who knows Tucker, who plans to travel and continue teaching online for HCC.

“I am so grateful for all the experiences I’ve had at HCC. I really believe in the idea of community college. This place really reaches humanity and gives everyone a chance,” he said.

The music and audio programs are part of the HCC Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence. To learn more, visit hccs.edu/media.

After 15 years as ex-students, couple reflect on HCC’s academic experience and success

LeMarcus and Amber Newman on graduation day.

Leo LeMarcus Newman graduated from Houston Community College (HCC) 15 years ago, but still credits HCC for helping him be the person he is today. “My advice for students is to get to know your advisor on a personal level. That way your advisor knows everything that’s going on in your life and then he or she will be able to guide you in obtaining your degree,” Newman said.

Both Newman and his wife Amber recently graduated with master’s degrees in public administration from Texas Southern University. To this day, he still feels a connection to the faculty and staff at HCC. He recognizes that took they took the time to get to know him first as a person and then as a student.

Houston Community College (HCC) is composed of 13 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. HCC is one of the country’s largest singly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities.

“Houston Community College has instilled in me hardworking values,” said Newman. “I had an opportunity to learn about different cultures and that has helped get me to where I am today.”

Newman’s past life experience paved the way for academic success. At one point, he played for the San Francisco 49ers and served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a government contractor. Nevertheless, his years at Houston Community College were the foundation to tackle the hardest thing he and his wife have faced.

“The biggest challenge was time management. During the time we were getting our degrees, we really didn’t have any time for us. We were in school and raising the kids, who are 7, 9 and 21. We were stretched thin.”

To keep each other motivated the coupled achieved their academic goals through loving competition.

“My husband is really competitive so we would turn in our papers and then he would wait to see how he made out. If I got a higher grade than him, then he would set as a goal to do better next time,” said Amber Newman.

While she cooked for the family, he helped the kids with homework. While he studied, she got the kids ready for bed.

The Newman family schedule is filled with school, work, and extracurricular activities.

“Our 9 year old is actually really good at organizing. She essentially has mapped her whole life out. She has a vision board of what type of house she wants, what school she wants to go to. She’ll come and look at the calendar to see what things they need to do,” said the proud mom.

The couple is now set to pursue their doctorates in public administration next spring.

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