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

Houston City College (HCC) and Lowe’s Foundation officials celebrated a $1 million grant through the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants program to support an initiative expected to prepare 500 students for high-demand skilled trades careers in the Greater Houston region.

A ceremonial check was presented to the college during a recent HCC Board of Trustees meeting.

The grant will expand HCC’s training opportunities in electrical, carpentry, welding, construction, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing. The funding will also provide scholarships to 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 HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D.

HCC is one of only 10 community colleges nationwide selected for the initiative, joining institutions recognized for their commitment to workforce development and industry partnerships. 

Lowe’s Foundation and local employees toured the facilities at HCC’s Eastside campus.

The Lowe’s Foundation investment comes as the nation faces a growing shortage of skilled trades professionals. According to the U.S. Department of Education, an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades jobs could go unfilled by 2030, potentially resulting in 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,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe’s executive vice president of human resources and president and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “We are building a national flywheel that connects educators, workforce organizations and community partners to strengthen the skilled trades workforce.”

The investment reinforces HCC’s mission to provide accessible, affordable education that responds directly to workforce needs while supporting the region’s continued economic growth.

“This is more than a grant,” said HCC Board Chair Eva Loredo. “It is a vote of confidence in our students, our faculty and the important role community colleges play in meeting the workforce needs of Texas and the nation.”