On the one-year anniversary of the implementation of a historic investment in Texas community colleges, 15 community college students across Texas were honored as part of the Pathways to Success: Texas Community College Essay Contest held by the Texas Association of Community Colleges and the Commit Partnership.
In recognition of House Bill 8's $683 million investment in Texas community colleges, the essay contest celebrates community colleges for giving students the education and skills to land well-paying, in-demand jobs after graduation. Participants were asked to share their unique stories about how their community college experiences have shaped their journeys.
“My amazing community college education opened windows to thriving professional paths,” says Houston Community College student Avwerosuoghene “Avey” Etaghene in one of the winning essays. “I gained invaluable skills for well-paying roles in Texas' booming tech industry.”
The Texas Community College Essay Contest winners are:
- First Place: Yen, Wharton County Junior College
- Second Place: Avwerosuoghene “Avey” Etaghene, Houston Community College
- Third Place: Sarah Morin, South Texas College
- Fourth Place: Brandon, Navarro College
- Fifth Place: Hailey L., Austin Community College
- Sixth Place: Anatupenda Daphrose, Dallas College
- Seventh Place: Kathryn, Wharton County Junior College
- Eighth Place: Amy Maddux, McLennan Community College
- Ninth Place: Ana Toro, San Jacinto College
- Tenth Place: Nelsie Nash, Blinn College
- Honorable Mention: Aws Alezzi, San Jacinto College
- Honorable Mention: Kelly Bridges, Panola College
- Honorable Mention: James Colunga, Austin Community College
- Honorable Mention: Martha Chavez, Panola College
- Honorable Mention: Isabella R, Collin College
Students from nearly all of Texas’ 50 community colleges applied, with the winners representing 11 institutions from every corner of the state. First through tenth place winners received awards ranging from $3,500 to $300, while five more students received honorable mentions.
“The voices of our essay contest winners eloquently illustrate how our institutions equip students with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in high-demand fields. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the enduring impact of community colleges on the lives of countless Texans,” said Ray Martinez III, President & CEO of the Texas Association of Community Colleges. “House Bill 8 marks a new chapter in empowering community colleges to drive economic growth and social mobility across Texas.”
Signed into law last year and implemented in September 2023, House Bill 8 is transformative legislation that ties community college funding to student outcomes, rewarding institutions for meeting workforce needs in high-demand fields As the provider of more than 90% of career and technical education in the state, community colleges are uniquely positioned to fill the skills-gap and ensure students have a clear pathway from enrollment to employment. The passage of HB 8 financially incentivizes community colleges to continue their support to students as they complete courses, attain credentials, and successfully transfer to four-year universities – with funding multiplied for adult learners and students experiencing economic and academic disadvantages.
“The inspiring stories of our essay contest winners are testaments to the power of Texas community colleges to transform students’ lives,” said Commit Chair and CEO Todd Williams. “Thanks to House Bill 8, these institutions can better meet the needs of employers and ensure even more students are on paths to economic mobility.”
