Houston City College receives $1 million Lowe's Foundation Grant

Houston City College (HCC) has been selected as one of only 10 community colleges nationwide to receive a $1 million Lowe's Foundation Gable Grant, funding an initiative expected to prepare 400 new students for high-demand skilled trades careers in the Greater Houston region.

The grant will enhance HCC's training programs in electrical, carpentry, construction, HVAC and plumbing while providing scholarships that help more students prepare for high-demand, high-wage careers.

"This investment will allow us to expand access to life-changing career opportunities, train hundreds of skilled trades professionals, and help meet workforce demand driven by Houston's continued growth in construction and infrastructure,” said Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D.

The college joins a leading group of institutions chosen from across the country for their commitment to workforce development and industry partnerships.

The HCC program will be anchored at HCC Southeast.

“This investment removes barriers that too often stand between students and the workforce training they need to succeed,” said Frances Villagran-Glover, D.A., president of HCC Southeast. “In addition to expanding our skilled trades programs, this grant will help students access certification assistance, tools, personal protective equipment and other support services. It will also extend the reach of our Mobile Go Unit, allowing us to connect more residents with training opportunities that lead to in-demand careers.”

The Lowe's Foundation announcement comes as the nation faces a growing shortage of skilled trades workers. According to the U.S. Department of Education, an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades jobs could go unfilled by 2030, resulting in potential economic losses of as much as $1 trillion annually. The Lowe's Foundation is addressing this challenge through strategic investments in education and training that increase workforce capacity and create pathways to rewarding careers.

"Over the past three years, the Lowe's Foundation has built a national flywheel that is connecting educators, workforce organizations and community partners and strengthening the skilled trades workforce," said Janice Dupré, Lowe's executive vice president of human resources and president and chair of the Lowe's Foundation. "Funding is just one part of the equation; our greatest impact comes from bringing the entire ecosystem together."

The investment reinforces HCC's mission of providing accessible, affordable education that responds directly to workforce needs while supporting the region's continued economic growth. As one of the nation's largest community colleges, with enrollment recently topping 100,000 students, HCC works closely with employers to align curriculum with industry demands so graduates are prepared to succeed.