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HCC Innovation Grants: Call for Applications Now Open

Jan 12, 2026


The application period for the HCC Innovation Grants is now open. Established by the HCC Foundation and the Chancellor's Office, the Innovation Grants recognize and promote exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to experimenting with new strategies, techniques, and processes that enhance the student experience at Houston City College.

Each year, the Innovation Grants program awards up to five HCC faculty and student support personnel with $5,000, enabling recipients to implement individually designed plans that advance instruction and student support services at the College. Recipients of Innovation Grants will be designated as Distinguished Educators. The grant period runs from April 2026 through March 2027.

The annual selection process is coordinated by the Faculty and Staff Senates in collaboration with Innovation Fellow graduates. The selection committee is comprised of faculty and student support professionals who conduct a blind review of all applications.

Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria will be considered in selecting Innovation Grant project proposals:
  • Proposed Learning Experience - The applicant’s proposal should address:
    • A direct connection to two or more of HCC’s Strategic Priorities 
    • Intended learning outcomes of the project 
    • Associated contribution to student learning
    • How funding will support project goal(s) regarding student learning and the College’s mission, vision, values 
    • Plan for assessing the project’s learning outcomes
  • Excellence in Teaching and Student Support: The applicant’s record of significant contributions made to student learning and success and to the applicant’s department, campus, and/or the College in recent years.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible faculty or student support professionals are encouraged to apply. The criteria are below:
  • Must be a full-time employee of the college, either faculty or student support professional who primarily engage in direct student teaching or support activities.  
  • “Student support professionals” is intended to be expansive and is reflective of the belief that community college student success is dependent on meaningful support services as well as teaching excellence. 
  •  Adjunct Faculty and employees whose primary responsibility is administrative or supervisory are not eligible to apply for Endowed Chairs. 

Application Submission

Applications are now open. The deadline to submit your proposal is Friday, February 27, 2026, by 5:00pm.
To apply, please visit https://hcc.brightidea.com/2026InnovationGrantsProgram.

Support Resources

Should you need assistance and support developing your project, the following staff are available to meet with you: