HCC Parent Academy motivates a return to class
May 14, 2015
“It’s not too late to get your education.” That is the message the Parent Academy at Houston Community College wants to shout loud and clear.
The Parent Academy was designed to provide free workshops as a support system for parents of students enrolled in the HCC dual credit program. Today, a generous grant from The Kresge Foundation makes it possible for HCC to remain committed to improving adult students’ access to higher education.
“Our initial goal was to get these parents not only engaged in their children’s education; but also to get them enrolled in college to get trained for job opportunities of their own,” said Dr. Irene Porcarello, interim vice chancellor of Student Services. “Today we are seeing the results of those efforts.”
The Parent Academy has blossomed into a program with a fast-track pathway to completion of a college certificate. By the end of the fall semester, 18 parents will have completed their programs armed with marketable skill awards and other short certificate programs.
Rima Adil, HCC advising manager and Parent Academy coordinator, took on the challenge to grow the program and encourage these students to go back to class. It is certainly a challenge as most have been out of school from anywhere between five and 25 years.
“Initially, I was not sure it would work because they have other priorities,” said Adil. “Some are coming back for a career change. Others are going back to school because they feel they need to do something now that their kids are grown.”
Linda Hinojos is a professional artist who says learning Digital Communication will help grow her business and her confidence.
“The Parent Academy gave me that encouragement and tipped the scale to get me back in there,” she said. “Why stop now? I just need to continue.”
After Hinojos gets her certification, she will get her Associate Degree and eventually pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Houston.
Martha Salazar was a stay-at-home mother for 25 years. Her daughter, an HCC student, motivated Salazar to get certified in accounting and payroll.
“I was always involved in my children’s education, but now coming back to school is hard,” said Salazar. “After that many years, it’s not easy. Everything changed.”
The students also credit instructor Stephen L. White with their desire to excel in and out of class.
“Some of them were a little unsure and apprehensive,” he said. “Now they are all ‘gung-ho’ because they’ve had successes.”
Maritelma Rodriguez dropped out of HCC 20 years ago and is thrilled she made the decision to return because she is now a certified nursing assistant.
“I am at the top of the moon and recommend this for everybody,” said Rodriguez. “It is doable. You learn a lot and it’s rewarding.”
The Parent Academy offers a wide range of certification programs. For more information, visit hccs.edu/parentacademy.