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Houston Community College and the United States Coast Guard: A Guaranteed Career Pathways Partnership for Graduates

May 19, 2025

Houston Community College (HCC) has established various opportunities for students to begin their careers with confidence. A Letter of Intent (LOI) between the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and HCC establishes a collaborative partnership aimed at developing recruitment pathways for maritime education, training, and certification. This initiative not only enhances educational opportunities but also provides a guaranteed career pathway for HCC graduates.

Through the Direct Enlistment Lateral Entry Program, graduates from specific programs, including nursing, culinary arts, and emergency medical services, are assured a streamlined entry into the USCG or United States Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR). This partnership reflects a shared commitment to equipping our students with the skills and qualifications needed for successful careers in the military and beyond, ensuring that their educational achievements translate directly into meaningful employment opportunities upon graduation.

Nursing Program

The Letter of Intent (LOI) between the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Houston Community College (HCC) establishes a collaborative partnership focused on developing recruitment pathways for the nursing program. The initiative aims to create qualified personnel for a Direct Enlistment Lateral Entry Program, allowing HCC graduates of the Associate of Applied Sciences in Nursing (NCLEX - Health Services Technician) to enter the USCG or United States Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR). Graduates who meet the necessary standards will have the opportunity to enlist as Petty Officer Third Class or Petty Officer Second Class, contingent upon USCG selection, which equals a starting salary of up to $70,000 not including all health care benefits. The USCG will facilitate recruitment efforts and processing enlisted packages, while HCC will promote this program among students and assist with on-campus recruiting. This partnership emphasizes the shared commitment to equipping nursing graduates with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in the military and healthcare fields.

Culinary Arts Program

The LOI between the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Houston Community College (HCC) also focuses on the culinary arts program, establishing a pathway for students interested in pursuing careers in the military. Through this initiative, graduates of the Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts (Culinary Specialist) program can qualify for the Direct Enlistment Lateral Entry Program into the USCG or United States Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR). Eligible graduates will have the opportunity to enlist as Petty Officer Third Class or Petty Officer Second Class, depending on USCG selection, which equals a starting salary of up to $70,000 not including all health care benefits. The USCG will facilitate recruitment efforts and processing enlisted packages, while HCC will promote this program among students and assist with on-campus recruiting. In turn, HCC will create awareness about this program among culinary students and facilitate USCG participation in relevant events, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in both culinary arts and military service.

Emergency Medical Services Program

The Letter of Intent (LOI) between the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Houston Community College (HCC) also encompasses the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program. This partnership aims to develop recruitment pathways for graduates of the Associate of Applied Sciences in Emergency Medical Services (Nationally Registered - Health Services Technician). These graduates will be eligible for the Direct Enlistment Lateral Entry Program, allowing them to enter the USCG or United States Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) as Petty Officer Third Class or Petty Officer Second Class, subject to selection by the USCG, which equals a starting salary of up to $70,000 not including all health care benefits. The USCG will lead recruitment efforts and process enlisted packages, while HCC will promote the program among EMS students and assist with on-campus recruiting strategies. This collaboration underscores the commitment to equipping EMS graduates with the skills necessary for success in both emergency medical services and military careers.

The Letter of Intent (LOI) between the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Houston Community College (HCC) establishes a collaborative partnership aimed at developing recruitment pathways for maritime education, training, and certification. This initiative is designed to create qualified personnel for a Direct Enlistment Lateral Entry Program, allowing HCC graduates to enter the USCG or United States Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR).

Eligible programs for this initiative include the Associate of Applied Sciences in Nursing (NCLEX - Health Services Technician), Associate of Applied Sciences in Emergency Medical Services (Nationally Registered - Health Services Technician), and Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts (Culinary Specialist). Graduates who successfully complete these programs and meet the necessary standards will have the opportunity to enlist as Petty Officer Third Class or Petty Officer Second Class, subject to USCG selection. This pathway not only enhances career prospects for students but also addresses the need for skilled personnel within the Coast Guard.

The LOI outlines the responsibilities of both parties to ensure the success of this initiative. The USCG will serve as the local lead for the LOI, facilitating recruitment efforts and processing enlisted packages through the Military Entrance Processing Station. They will also coordinate recruiting initiatives between HCC and local USCG commands, ensuring a streamlined approach to attracting qualified candidates. To maintain effective communication, the USCG will initiate quarterly conference calls with HCC and conduct annual meetings to discuss the status of the LOI and any necessary updates. Additionally, they will provide HCC with an annual status report, ensuring that Personally Identifiable Information is appropriately redacted.

On the other hand, HCC will play a crucial role in promoting the USCG/HCC Direct Enlistment Program among students and other influential stakeholders. This includes assisting the USCG with on-campus recruitment strategies and creating awareness about the opportunities available. HCC will also provide the USCG with a list of training centers that meet the college’s curriculum standards and facilitate USCG participation in Open Houses, Career Fairs, and other events that give students the chance to learn more about the USCG and its career opportunities.

This partnership underscores the mutual commitment of both organizations to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in the military and beyond, fostering a pathway that benefits both the graduates and the USCG.