Houston Community College Northeast reached a milestone that has the potential to impact North Forest and surrounding communities for many years to come. North Forest residents are now able to take advantage of increased training opportunities at the newly renovated HCC North Forest Campus at 6010 Little York Road.
The North Forest Campus, which has completed the first phase of its renovation, also has plans for two additional phases that will renovate existing space and add a workforce building. Additional parking will be added and the existing building will receive an exterior face-lift. Currently the newly renovated space accommodates a full service student service center, student lounge, classroom and lab space, a computer lab and a small business incubator. Workforce programs offered at the campus include EMS, Drafting Technology and introductory courses for energy feeder programs.
Proposed programs for phase two include Cosmetology and Barbering, Certified Nurse Aide, Adult Education programs (GED/ESL) and Health Careers. Phase three calls for an Automotive Technology Facility Center of Excellence, as well as programs in manufacturing, welding, HVAC and plumbing. Expansion plans have been guided by community input from the Blue Ribbon Committee, a group consisting of North Forest residents and community leaders, which has served in an advisory capacity to the college since 2008.
The College moved into the former North Forest ISD administration building in mid-August. “The HCC North Forest Campus will serve as a hub for workforce and academic training as well as a place for the community. We are delighted to be a resource in North Forest,” says Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, president of HCC Northeast.
This semester, the campus has seen a significant increase of students. In particular, students at the North Forest Campus have taken advantage of the energy feeder classes and are on track to continue in their programs at the HCC
Northeast Energy Institute as a part of the Division of Science and Engineering Technologies. These programs lead to employment opportunities as technicians in the oil and gas industry with beginning salaries ranging from $50,000 to $60,000. This opportunity is especially meaningful for those who live in North Forest and surrounding communities because of its potential to provide a pathway for economic empowerment.
The HCC North Forest Campus offers full-day services and provides the community with academic and workforce training during the day,evenings and on Saturdays.
For the latest information on the HCC North Forest Campus, class offerings or registration requirements, call 713.718.8300 or visit northeast.hccs.edu.