News

Across the U.S., the future of work is being reshaped at an unprecedented pace. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are transforming industries, redefining jobs and accelerating the demand for new skills. Yet at the same time, millions of Americans continue to face persistent barriers — poverty, housing instability and limited access to education — that stand in the way of meaningful economic mobility.

For international students at Houston City College (HCC), studying abroad is more than an academic pursuit. It’s a daily exercise in adaptation, resilience and discovery. Representing more than 130 countries, they are a vital part of the college’s global community. A new video campaign, “Real Journeys,” is now sharing their stories.

HCC has been nationally recognized as one of the “Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges 2026” by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD), in partnership with The EDULedger.

Caressa Brown can hardly contain her excitement as she describes how she will spend her summer. The HCC VICEROY Scholar has been selected to intern at the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia—becoming the first HCC student ever chosen for the prestigious VICEROY ENVOY internship.

Before stepping into a Houston City College classroom, Gia Jones served her nation in the U.S. Army as a logistics specialist stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. When she returned to civilian life, she took the opportunity to pursue a healthcare career using her GI Bill. She chose to become a sonographer, and she chose HCC to help her achieve her goal.

Troi-Lyzette “Troi” Perry had mentally penciled in 2027 as the year she might finally return to college. Then one evening, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Houston City College (HCC) letting her know about the Houston Reconnect Scholarship. She almost ignored it.

Four HCC VICEROY Scholars have been selected as poster competition finalists at the 2026 VICEROY Symposium, hosted by the College of William & Mary, April 14–16. The VICEROY Symposium brings together scholars, faculty, and national security stakeholders from across the country to showcase student research aligned with Department of Defense workforce needs.

This summer, Houston City College is launching S.O.A.R., a new 10‑week, AI‑powered accelerator designed to help early‑stage businesses grow faster, operate smarter, and compete in a rapidly changing marketplace. The program—hosted at the HCC Central Campus Center for Entrepreneurship—is set to start next month. It is seeking participants from across Houston, Pearland and surrounding communities.

In Fall 2025, Zamar Jefferson packed up and drove cross-country from Los Angeles to Houston with one goal in mind: to build a career in fire service. Determined to turn that ambition into action, he applied to the Houston Fire Department (HFD) and enrolled in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at HCC.

This summer, Leslie Trevino, a scholar in the Virtual Institute for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employment (VICEROY) Program at HCC, will make history working with the Department of Defense as the first HCC scholar selected for the VICEROY MAVEN Internship.