HCC VAST Academy

VAST Academy Advisory Board Members:

• Dr. Adria Baker, Rice University/Parent advocate
• Kristen Davis, Texas Workforce Solutions/Vocational Rehabilitation
• Ana Esparza, Partners Resource Network Region 4
• Winston Chambers, Houston Independent School District
• Dr. Jaishree Ellie, Greater Houston Disability Chamber of Commerce
• Tiffany Grady, HCC and VAST Academy Alumni
• Cheryl Guido, Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation
• Andrew Hardwick, Social Security Administration
• Charles Kerlegon, The Harris Center
• Claudia Magallan, Baker Ripley House
• Janniece Sleigh, The Arc of Harris County
• Jan Stailey, The Rise School of Houston
• Shelley Townsend, University of Houston-Parent Project-Families CAN

Community, Employer Partners and Donors:

• Arena Energy, Donor
• Assistance League of Houston, Scholarship Donor
• Catholic Daughters, Scholarship Donor
• Easter Seals, Community Partner and Scholarship Donor
• Hampton Inn, Employer Partner
• Houston ISD, Community Partner
• Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Employer Partner
• MD Anderson, Employer Partner
• Shriner's Hospital, Employer Partner
• Spring-Branch ISD, Community and Employer Partner
• Texas Children's Hospital, Employer Partner
• Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Partner
• The Rise School of Houston, Employer Partner
• T.I.R.R., Employer Partner
• Trustee Glaser Family Foundation Endowment, Scholarship Donor
• The Center, Community Partner
• Memorial Assistance Ministry (MAM), Community Employer Partner
• UT Health LEND Program, Community Partner

The VAST Academy Eagles Club remains one of the most active student organizations on campus, hosting numerous campus-wide events and community service projects each year.

Student leaders are recognized each year at annual college award ceremonies. Some have received "Student Leader of the Year," awards/scholarships and Eagles Club has been awarded "Student Organization oft he Year," numerous times.

Houston Community College’s VAST Academy would like to partner with your company to expand employment and internship opportunities for our students. The VAST Academy provides comprehensive certificate programs in Office Skills and Occupational Skills to individuals that prefer or benefit from a personalized training format. Our students are trained on software programs that are in demand in the business sector such as: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In addition to training in Microsoft Office, our students are trained in Customer Service, Records Management, Business Etiquette and Business Communication.

At the VAST Academy we value partnerships with the business community and community based organizations. Contact us at 713-718-2524 to discuss partnership opportunities or complete the VAST_Job_Posting_form.

Mission

VAST Academy provides post-secondary transition programs and comprehensive support services, which lead to meaningful credentials, employment and independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Opportunities include vocational certificates, precollege and freshman success bridge courses, career readiness credentials, internships and employment assistance offered through an inclusive, relevant and affordable avenue.

Vision

VAST Academy will be:

A post-secondary, “affordable” program of choice, for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities seeking workforce certificates and academic advancement, leading to professional careers, employment and independence.
Known for its innovative and “cutting-edge” programs, certificates and technology.
An integral part of the economic and educational life of the community through its collaborative partnerships.
A technical resource model, sharing best practices with community colleges and institutions seeking to develop similar model programs
Values

VAST Academy affirms these Values:

• Integrity
• Mutual Respect
• Trust
• Teamwork
• Enthusiasm

Occupational Skills/Career Readiness Certificate

The Occupational Skills Certificate Program is a two-year career readiness workforce credential, offering courses that enhance functional reading, math and writing. Students develop basic computer/financial literacy and
human relations skills for the workplace.

Support Services

Students receive assistance through a “person centered planning” approach with identifying realistic career goals by developing a vocational degree plan and participating in an internship following the completion of required coursework. Job placement assistance is offered upon successful completion The program’s successful supportive strategies include:

• Peer mentoring and Tutoring
• Career counseling and advising
• Self-Advocacy Training
• Transition and Employment Services