Yolanda Navarro Flores
Trustee, District I

As we wind down the Spring 2013 semester, Houston Community College is closing out another exciting year. This year HCC has reached out to the community and local industries to ask for their input as the college plans for the future. HCC has sought valuable community input to better align the HCC educational offerings with regional workforce and economic solutions. The college has brought industry leaders, elected officials and emerging business executives together to explore the workforce and education needs of the area.

The energy industry, including oil, natural gas and chemical, is growing in Northeast Houston and the demand for career training in these areas will understandably increase. There is a high demand for process technicians who troubleshoot, maintain and monitor equipment as companies process plastics, oil, natural gas and develop products in area refineries. As baby boomers continue to retire, there is an increased demand for highly skilled labor and HCC Northeast programs are meeting that demand. Also, the Public Safety Institute at Northeast College is meeting the growing demand in many areas that include law enforcement, fire and EMS. EMS technicians also work for private agencies transporting patients between medical facilities in the city and surrounding counties.

To help our students align their education to their career goals and to better place themselves in the job market, HCC has developed a Virtual Career Network. The Virtual Career Network provides information and resources regarding career development and job search techniques, such as the tools students and alumni need to search employment opportunities in the Houston-area, post resumes, register for various workshops, review upcoming events and participate in mentor discussions. HCC wants to prepare each student for their ongoing journey by equipping them with marketable skills to compete in today’s industry.

As one of the largest community colleges in the country, our top priority and mission remain serving our students. Students must graduate to acquire the skills needed to compete in today’s marketplace. HCC’s current and long-term academic success and workforce readiness are essential to the economic growth of the Houston region. Millions of HCC’s alumni have made Houston the most productive and thriving metropolitan area in the world. In going forward, my focus and vision is to continue to advocate policies to enrich student learning, enhance student services, and to facilitate faculty empowerment to meet the growing needs of our students and the community. Thank you again for your support, together, we can keep Houston working.

Sincerely,

Yolanda Navarro Flores

Trustee, District I

HCC Northeast’s all-female fire academy

The Basic Firefighter Certificate program is designed to meet all of the requirements of the fire-training phase of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection’s minimum standards for Structure Fire Protection Personnel Certification. The total program consists of two levels of fire training: Basic Firefighter I and II. All classes are conducted at HCC’s Public Safety Institute.

Women enrolling in this program are required to pass rigorous requirements including background checks, physical testing and satisfactory scores on the Compass or Asset Test. Once accepted, trainees receive the same required state fire curriculum as existing co-ed classes and are required to adhere to all student rules established in HCC’s fire certification program.

Unlike traditional fire training programs, classes such as nutrition, personalized physical fitness, history of women in the fire service, dealing with harassment and confrontation in the fire service environment, and what the family needs to know, along with other topics will be implemented into the curriculum. One of the main goals of this exclusive fire training program is to prepare women to find their niche once they have begun their fire service career. Fully incorporating themselves into a traditionally male-dominated profession means that female firefighters will have to master all of the skills of their male counterparts while also establishing and knowing their own boundaries.

“These ladies are going into an environment that is just recently adjusting to having women in its ranks. We are going to ensure that our female students know how to fit in as equal team members while still maintaining who they are as women,” says Rufus Summers, HCC Northeast Fire Technology Coordinator.

HCC’s first all-female firefighter academy cadets graduated in May, 2012. Celebrated by a full house of family, friends, and male firefighter students, the female cadets received their certificates. The graduates were praised by their instructors, many of whom are Houston Fire Department female firefighters, for their strength, perseverance, and for breaking barriers.

HCC Northeast’s all-female fire academy

In addition to the other accolades bestowed upon them during the ceremony, the cadets were also recognized for being the class to receive the highest average scores in the history of the HCC Fire Academy.

In honor of the great accomplishment of these cadets, HCC Board Trustee Eva Loredo attended and assisted in presenting the students their certificates. One of the graduating cadets, Jessica Smith, presented a very special thanks to the fire academy instructors for pushing them to work hard and not allowing them to give up fully understanding the demands of working as a firefighter.

The guest speaker for the graduation ceremony was HCC Northeast president, Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, who presented those who attended with a very moving presentation and speech. During her presentation, she highlighted ten extraordinary female firefighters from throughout history and declared that the cadets will be added to the list of trailblazers in the firefighting field. In addition to expounding upon the history of the women in firefighting, Dr. Ford Fisher and Mr. Rufus Summers, Fire Technology Coordinator, presented a pictorial tribute to the cadets that highlighted the class from the beginning of the training to the end and captured all aspects of the cadets’ training.

Dr. Fisher let them know that everyone would be watching their progress as they impact the future and the community in respect to emergency response by having more females in sensitive situations involving children and the elderly. She concluded the evening by encouraging the new graduates to do their very best as they take up their banner of service.

“You have forever shattered a glass ceiling and have created an unbreakable sisterhood that can only set a precedent for future, aspiring female cadets. Congratulations to each and every one of you for going beyond the distance to achieve your goal.”

Successful completion of this class, with completion of an EMT class, will give all students a firefighter certification. Many fire departments in Texas require these credentials for hiring eligibility as a firefighter/EMT.  This class will also give students 26 credit hours that can be applied towards an Associate’s Degree. For more information about the All-Female Training Program or about the Fire Training Academy in general, call 713.718.5236.

Northeast Emergency Medical Services students volunteer along with area EMS professionals at the 2013 Chevron Houston Marathon

Services rendered by students helped to fulfill the 16 hour volunteer service requirement for the program. Medical professionals were quite impressed with the professionalism and expertise displayed by the students and commended them for their efforts. Finish Line Medical Team Captain Dr. Terrance Chang says, “They were excellent, had great attitudes, and were a joy to have. They worked side by side with our physicians and we were able to use them in a way that enhanced their clinical skills without them being uncomfortable.”

The HCC Northeast EMS Department has provided training to thousands of individuals since 1982 and is one of the most recognized and qualified programs in the State of Texas as it relates to pre-hospital education. The program prepares students for careers in para-medicine, one of the most fast-paced and challenging jobs in the industry. The EMS program was also the first program in the Texas Gulf Coast Consortium of Community Colleges to be Nationally Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in cooperation with the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP).

The HCC Northeast EMS program is located at the Northeast Campus, 555 Community College Drive 77013. For more information, call 713.718.7694 or visit emsacademy.hccs.edu.

New Orleans-born artist Curtis M. Graves shares his connection with history

The New Orleans-born artist, Artist Curtis M. Graves, utilizes the medium of photographic art to tell the story of his home state. The art exhibition features images of Louisiana plantations and the culture of Mardi Gras.  Graves’ lens captures the juxtaposition of historic slave cabins beneath the beauty of oak trees draped with Spanish moss, and the intricate details found on slave structures built by Africans from Ghana and Cameroon. While doing research, Graves explained how he connected with a cousin and descendant of his family’s slave owner on the Evergreen plantation who allowed the closed area to be photographed.  “In order to do this, I had to know my family’s history,” says Graves.  “It is important for you to know your history, and I encourage each of you to do the research to gain an understanding of how you got to where you are today.” The history of Evergreen plantation inspired Graves to capture images of other plantations in northern and southern Louisiana, which led to the collection.

Graves captivated the audience with stories that explains the artistry found in the dress of the African-American Mardi Gras Indians.  “The garments worn by the Mardi Gras Indians pay homage to the Native American Indians who helped many escaped slaves find refuge from the brutal conditions of slavery on Indian reservations,” says Graves.  The exhibition gives viewers a glimpse into the craftsmanship and creativity displayed by each ‘tribe’ as they parade through the streets of New Orleans each year during the carnival celebration.

Graves’ photographs are a reflection of his hopefulness, yet realistic vision of the world. After leaving Louisiana, Graves received his education from Texas Southern University and Princeton University.  Graves was also the first black elected to the Texas House since 1891, where he served for six years.  The field of science attracted Graves to NASA, where he worked for 30 years.   He is now a fine art photographer with photographs in numerous businesses and private collections across the country. Graves’ photography has been exhibited in museums and galleries in New York, Alabama, Georgia, Maryland and Louisiana.

The Art Hub Gallery is one of the many programs that HCC Northeast offers to the community. Stressing the importance of infusing art with education, the Art Hub Gallery hosts various art collections throughout the year for the benefit of HCC students and surrounding communities. Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit northeast.hccs.edu.

The new facilities in the planning stage for Northline Campus include a new parking garage with 600 – 1200 parking spaces and a new educational building. A new Academic & Workforce Campus is planned for the North Forest area. The North Forest Campus will provide market-driven training, adult education, continuing education and vocational programs. The Pinemont Center will become a new Academic and Workforce Campus with student support services and various educational programs.

The summit focused on the skills needed in high demand, growth industries in the logistics, global supply management and transportation industries. The summit also addressed hard to fill positions, relevant industry credentials and how HCC’s curriculum can continue to be enhanced to meet the needs of the emerging labor force.

“Results of the summit will serve us in further assessing HCC-related workforce education programs. This process will ensure the relevancy of the skills and credentials HCC students will need to better qualify and compete in the workplace and in providing industry with the best pipeline of professional workers,” said Dr. Madeline Burillo, Associate Vice Chancellor of Workforce Instruction.

“Logistics, Global Supply Management & Transportation” represents a broad family of occupations that include logistics, distribution, imports and exports, truck driving, global supply management and inventory control. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston has become the distribution and logistics hub of choice for a growing number of companies.

“Combined with the fourth largest multi-airport system in the country, and the Port of Houston volume of tonnage and distribution effect, Houston workforce development needs in this sector present a priority for HCC. By interfacing with local industries, HCC can assess and review its related educational and training programs to ensure skills, knowledge and industry-relevant certifications are embedded into our courses and programs,” said Burillo.

The summit was co-sponsored by Houston Area Galveston Council and the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC).

The first in the Skills Summit series was the Manufacturing Skills Summit held last September. The summit explored the future of the manufacturing industry and the best ways to create partnerships to train the next generation of manufacturing workers. The summit panel included nine industry leaders together with more than 100 manufacturing professionals and HCC educators attending. It focused on how HCC’s curriculum can be enhanced to meet the needs of Houston’s emerging labor force.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in Texas, manufacturing contributes $158.8 billion to the state economy. With such a rich industry in our own backyard it is critical that HCC is a primary training ground for producing high-qualified manufacturing workers.

“As manufacturing and a skilled workforce continue to advance, Houston will continue to lead in meeting the growing demands. HCC will continue to prepare future manufacturing career professionals and upgrade incumbent worker skills,” says Dr. Madeline Burillo, Houston Community College’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce Instruction.

The next Skills Summit is planned for next fall and will focus on information technology.

(left to right) Connie Esparza, Yolanda Navarro Flores, HCC Trustee District I, and Andrea Torres get ready to judge some salsa at the Sabor del Northside Festival

The day was filled with food, entertainment, activities and community resources from a variety of non-profit agencies and businesses. College representatives were on hand to provide information about HCC Northeast programs, answer questions, as well as gather input from the community about the upcoming plans to build an instructional facility and parking garage at the Northline Campus. The college showed its support for the event by serving as an official sponsor and providing student volunteers from the HCC Northeast Mexican American Youth Organization (M.A.Y.O.). Student volunteers spent the day assisting festival organizers with set up and children’s activities.

HCC Trustee Yolanda Navarro Flores was present and served as a celebrity guest judge alongside Council Member Ed Gonzales, Marshall Middle School Principal Michael Harrison and other judges for the festival’s salsa contest. Mayor Annise Parker praised the community and announced the contest winners. Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, president of HCC Northeast was also present to greet community members and educate them on upcoming plans for the college.

“Community engagement is essential to carrying out the mission of HCC and we are proud to partner with the residents of the Northside community toward this effort,” says Ford Fisher.

The Northline Campus serves many residents of the Northside community and HCC Northeast maintains several working relationships with local businesses, chambers, churches, schools and other community organizations. HCC Northeast representatives also engage the community through civic association meetings where information is gathered on the best way to serve the community.

HCC Northeast offers a variety of certificates and degree programs for those seeking workforce training, university transfer degrees or continuing education. Registration for the summer session is now in progress. Classes begin June 3. For more information about HCC Northeast course offerings, visit northeast.hccs.edu or call 713.718.8300.

Law enforcement personnel train for rescue and helicopter tactics at HCC Northeast

The HCC PSI was selected for the training because its classroom capacity, ability to offer continuing education credit, state-of-the-art training structures, outdoor space and location. “We have a great relationship with the PSI director Johnny Sessums and have flown over the campus and landed the helicopter here many times,” says Mark Foster, pilot and chief tactical flight officer for HPD Air Support Division. Foster, who coordinates the training. He adds that the location is beneficial since it is outside of the airspace for Hobby and Bush airports, which minimizes the need to communicate with air traffic control.

The twin-engine helicopter used in the training was purchased by the Port of Houston Authority to deploy SWAT teams to ships off of the coast. The joint training sessions held at the HCC Northeast Campus bring together pilots, emergency responders and tactical members from SWAT, Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department. Members are learning hoisting operations and to use a fast rope to rappel from the helicopter to the PSI burn building for rescue. The swift water rescue pond at the campus allows pilots to lift 270 pounds of water with a Bambi Bucket to fight fires from above with precision. The helicopter is also being used in the course to teach emergency personnel how to rescue people from water using ropes or baskets.

Foster states, “The training and helicopter will allow them to do things that they have never done before. The training will allow us to put SWAT onto a moving ship in the ship channel, fight grass fires and help with rescue during floods without having to wait on the Coast Guard.” The customized training and partnership also allows officers to receive continuing education credit for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). For more information on the HCC Northeast Public Safety Institute, call 713.718.8300.

caption: Law enforcement personnel train for rescue and helicopter tactics at HCC Northeast

HCC student undertakes internship with Shell Oil Company

To be eligible for Shell’s Operations Technical Internship program, students must have completed at least the first year of an associate degree in electrical technology, industrial maintenance, petroleum technology, or process technology.

As an intern, Ms. Okorafor was charged with presenting information on safety to workers while stationed on the Perdido’s Oil Production platform in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, Ms. Okorafor managed controls on the remote operated vehicle (ROV) to search for specific instances regarding underwater hazards that could destroy the oilrig. An ROV is an underwater vehicle that can be used to search for potential threats to the oil platform as well as repairing and replacing damaged components on the oilrig far below the water’s surface.

“I started the program knowing nothing about the oil and gas profession. I have learned so much (from HCC and Shell) that I am walking into this job with complete confidence and feeling 100% competent that I can do my job without a doubt.” Okorafor said.

For more information about this program, please visit http://www.shell.us/home/content/usa/aboutshell/careers_tpkg/students_and_graduates/how_do_i_apply/operational_internship/.

Alan Finger said he’ll always be proud of the history associated with San Jacinto High School.

That’s one of the reasons the 1954 San Jacinto graduate has been so excited to see Houston Community College launch a $60 million renovation and restoration project at the former school, now part of HCC’s Central Campus at 1300 Holman.

HCC’s efforts to transform the site into a community destination will allow the former high school building to play an important role in Houston’s future, said Finger, chairman of the San Jacinto High School Alumni Association. Complete text of article and photos.