Houston City College selected for national work-integrated learning initiative

Houston City College (HCC) is one of 12 colleges and universities nationwide selected for a new national initiative designed to expand access to career-connected learning opportunities through partnerships with small and midsize businesses.

The initiative, Expanding Quality Work-Integrated Learning, is funded by Ascendium Education Group and led by the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF). Over the next two years, participating institutions will develop and pilot innovative, shorter-term work-integrated learning models, including micro-internships and project-based learning, that connect students with employers and provide valuable real-world experience. 

“HCC's selection places the college among a national cohort chosen through a competitive review process,” said Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., Chancellor of Houston City College. “We are a Future Forward-looking institution, leading our region and state with programs that reflect demonstrated employer needs and expand student access to in-demand career opportunities.”

The colleges will each receive a subgrant of up to $65,000 to develop and pilot their programs during the grant period, Nov. 2, 2026, through Oct. 31, 2028. Collectively, the dozen institutions aim to reach at least 1,200 learners and engage 36 or more employer partners.

The initiative addresses a significant gap in career-connected education. Of the 8.2 million learners who sought internships, only 3.6 million secured one. Although large corporations frequently offer established internship and experiential learning programs, small and midsize businesses, which employ approximately 46% of the U.S. workforce, often lack the staffing and resources to participate in traditional models.

Ascendium Education Group's investment reflects a shared commitment to making career experiences more accessible to students from low-income backgrounds.

“Learners from low-income backgrounds need opportunities to gain career experience that fit alongside their jobs, coursework, and family responsibilities,” said Ashley Parker, program officer at Ascendium.

The participating institutions will share their findings and resources through BHEF's Work-Integrated Learning Innovation Center, helping colleges and employers nationwide expand access to meaningful workplace experiences.

The other participating institutions are:

• Bowling Green State University (Ohio)
• Drake University (Iowa)
• East Stroudsburg University (Pennsylvania)
• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (Pennsylvania)
• Miami Dade College (Florida)
• Montgomery College (Maryland)
• San Jacinto College (Texas)
• SUNY Polytechnic Institute (New York)
• University of Idaho
• University of Nebraska at Omaha
• University of North Texas