Houston Community College Southeast College (HCC SE) has garnered significant attention with its recent $200,000 grant award from Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program.
In an exclusive interview with Que Onda Magazine, HCC SE President Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover shared her insights on how this transformative funding will support first-generation and low-income students through an initiative dubbed “The Yellow Brick Road Project.”
“The Yellow Brick Road Project aims to address challenges by connecting students to vital community resources and ensuring they have the tools to succeed.”- DR. FRANCES VILLAGRAN-GLOVER
Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program typically extends its support to community-based nonprofit organizations.
However, this year, HCC SE became the first college invited to apply. “We were so honored to be the first college to be selected to apply. “This grant will give us the flexibility to address our community’s unique needs.”
Inspiration Behind “The Yellow Brick Road Project”
The project’s name draws inspiration from The Wizard of Oz. “Dorothy didn’t get to Oz on her own. She had the help of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion, and even Glinda the Good Witch.”
“Just like Dorothy, our students don’t need to navigate their paths alone. We want to create a network of support to guide them toward their goals.”
The college plans to enhance collaborations with local nonprofit organizations, such as BakerRipley, Capital IDEA, Community Family Centers, and Catholic Charities, to provide wraparound resources like childcare, transportation, and career counseling.
“It’s about connecting students to the resources they need, so they don’t have to choose between school and life responsibilities,” she added.
Dr. Villagran-Glover shared a compelling example of how HCC SE’s partnerships have already made a difference. Angelica, a single mother with dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner, found support through the college and Capital IDEA.
“Angelica had the drive but needed guidance and financial assistance. Through this partnership, she received the resources to pursue her dream,” Dr. Villagran-Glover said.
Addressing Barriers to Success
Dr. Villagran-Glover, herself a first-generation college graduate, understands the hurdles many students face.
“The barriers are not always academic,” she noted. “Sometimes students tell us, ‘I want to go to school, but I don’t have daycare,’ or, ‘I can’t afford transportation.’”
The Yellow Brick Road Project aims to address these challenges by connecting students to vital community resources and ensuring they have the tools to succeed. Financial literacy workshops offered by Bank of America volunteers will also play a critical role.
“This partnership is about more than just funding. It’s about empowering our community members to build better financial futures.”
From Community Partnerships to College Completion
Dr. Villagran-Glover highlighted the critical role community partnerships play in ensuring students not only enroll but also complete their education. “It’s not just about getting students into college; it’s about making sure they graduate and succeed beyond the classroom,” she said.
She discussed how HCC SE is expanding its collaboration with industry leaders to provide mentorship opportunities, internships, and job placement programs.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring students have a clear pathway from the classroom to their careers.”
One of the strategies involves tailoring resources to meet the diverse needs of the student body.
“Many of our students are balancing jobs, families, and coursework,” Dr. Villagran-Glover explained.
“By working closely with community partners, we can provide personalized support to help them achieve their goals.”
She emphasized that the Yellow Brick Road Project is designed to be a comprehensive model of support, addressing not only immediate needs like childcare and transportation but also long-term success through skill-building and professional development.
Long-Term Impact
When asked about the project’s long-term goals, Dr. Villagran-Glover highlighted economic mobility.
“We strive to place students in careers that offer more than just a paycheck-to-paycheck existence. We want them to achieve their dreams and gain financial stability,” she said. The grant’s leadership development component will further strengthen the college’s impact Dr. Villagran-Glover and an emerging leader from HCC SE will participate in Bank of America’s leadership training.
“Continuous learning is vital for effective leadership. We’ll share these insights with our team and across the HCC system to ensure every student benefits.”
Measuring Success
The ultimate success of the Yellow Brick Road Project will be reflected in the stories of students who overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. “A year or two from now, I hope we’ll see more students like Angelica thriving in their careers and contributing to our community.” Through innovative partnerships and a commitment to student success, HCC SE’s Yellow Brick Road Project is paving the way for a brighter future for
 has garnered significant attention with its recent $200,000 grant award from Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program.Houston Community College Southeast College (HCC SE) has garnered significant attention with its recent $200,000 grant award from Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program.){kind=link}