Houston City College and Space Center Houston have launched a new partnership to expand STEM education and strengthen workforce pathways for students across the region. The HCC Space Center Houston partnership will connect classroom learning with real-world aerospace experience.
Leaders from both organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday, June 9, at the HCC West Houston Institute. The agreement focuses on student access, educator development, and career preparation in aerospace and related industries.
HCC Space Center Houston Partnership Builds Career Pathways
The partnership is designed to help students explore emerging careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. It will also support training connected to the growing space economy.
Key parts of the agreement include workforce and credential pathways. These may include elements from Space Center University and Accelerate Space to help prepare learners for aerospace careers.
The partnership will also support experiential learning and educator development. Planned efforts include space-focused summer camps and AI-driven STEM training programs.
HCC and Space Center Houston also plan to work together on research, grants, and alignment with the Texas Space Commission. The shared goal is to connect education, workforce development, and industry needs.
Students Gain Access to NASA-Level Learning
HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., said the collaboration brings high-level science and exploration into the classroom.
“This partnership brings NASA-level science and exploration into our curriculum, providing students with hands-on workshops, astronaut presentations and aerospace projects that inspire future careers in science and technology,” Fisher said.
She said the partnership combines HCC’s education resources with Space Center Houston’s industry expertise.
“By combining HCC’s educational resources with Space Center Houston’s industry expertise, we are creating new pathways for students to reach new heights,” Fisher said.
The agreement gives students access to learning experiences tied to real-world exploration. It also gives educators new tools to prepare students for fast-changing fields.
Space Center Houston Emphasizes Workforce Collaboration
William Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston, said education remains central to the organization’s mission.
“Education is at the heart of our world,” Harris said. “Houston has long been a city built by innovators, problem solvers and people who want to take on big challenges.”
Harris said the region’s future depends on developing talent and creating clear pathways for success. He also noted HCC’s role in preparing students for the broader workforce.
Space Center Houston is the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center. It welcomes more than 1.3 million visitors and more than 250,000 students and educators each year.
The center is also a Smithsonian Affiliate and a Certified Autism Center. It is owned by the Manned Space Flight Education nonprofit organization.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
Daniel Newmyer, chief learning officer at Space Center Houston, said the partnership will help students imagine new possibilities.
“This partnership allows us to create experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage discovery and help people imagine what comes next,” Newmyer said.
He said students who gain access to meaningful learning experiences can better see their own potential.
“When people are given the opportunity to learn, they see what’s possible and realize there is no limit to their journey,” Newmyer said.
HCC is one of the nation’s largest singly accredited, open-admission community colleges. It offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities.
As Houston continues to lead in aerospace and technology, this partnership aims to build a stronger workforce pipeline. It also gives students more ways to connect education with future careers in science, exploration, and innovation.
For more information on HCC degree programs and certifications, visit hccs.edu.