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Thomas Eggleston Wooldridge never imagined someone like him, who grew up in the “middle-of-nowhere-country” in Lynchburg, Virginia, would one day leave the United States. He recalled that in high school, only one or two classmates expressed a desire to study abroad, something that felt impossible for him due to his family’s financial situation. Now living in Houston and attending HCC, the 32-year-old fashion design student is preparing for the biggest trip of his life to Paris, France.

When Isabelle Arusiuka moved from Nigeria to Houston at 13, her family had one goal: to get her younger autistic brother the specialized care he deserved. Watching him thrive in their new city gave Arusiuka something she carries into everything she does: an unshakeable sense of gratitude.

Six HCC students have been named 2026 World Impact Scholars by Phi Theta Kappa, earning $2,500 scholarships in recognition of their academic achievement and commitment to community impact.

For Adam Blank, the HCC Bachelor of Applied Technology in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics program is more than a degree. It’s an opportunity to lead by example for his children while helping solve a real-world problem that affects millions of Americans.

Angel Ekeh, an HCC Global Online College student and VICEROY Scholar, will spend her summer as a MAVEN intern at the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) in San Diego. 

Douglas Gutierrez Sr. is no stranger to hard work. A lifelong resident of Houston’s East End, Guiterrez understands the importance of perseverance, responsibility and providing for his family. Today, he is building a brighter future for himself and his loved ones as a student in the Welding Technology program at HCC, where he is pursuing a workforce career pathway rooted in skill, stability and long-term opportunity.

HCC took center stage at the American Association of Community Colleges National Conference in April 2026, where Chancellor Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher presented on the Challenges of Urban Community Colleges and highlighted HCC’s leadership in student success, workforce development, and innovation.

There are many gospel songs that Lori Anderson hums to stay connected to her faith. One song in particular, “I’m Blessed,” includes the lyrics, “I'm blessed. God knows I'm blessed. As I look all around me, I realize, I'm blessed.” The song became her daily reminder to persevere and accomplish her longtime goal of graduating college.

Law enforcement agencies across the Houston region and throughout Texas continue to hire graduates of Houston City College’s Basic Peace Officer Program, citing the program’s consistent results, rigorous training and strong partnerships with employers.

On a Sunday afternoon, when the restaurant is typically closed, the Chick-fil-A in Deer Park opened its doors to students from the HCC Interpreting Training/American Sign Language (ASL) program. Ten student members of the ASL Honor Society were there to teach the language of inclusion—showing hearing employees how to communicate with their four Deaf co-workers. For the HCC students, it was community service, professional training and something far more personal all at once.