“College Towns” are generally defined as towns, cities, or neighborhoods/districts that are dominated by their university population. The “town” may be home to one large university, or there may be several schools of varying size clustered. “College Towns” also earn that moniker because the presence of the educational institution(s) pervades economic and social life.
Tuskegee, Alabama is a “College Town.” So, too is College Station. Austin, you could argue, still is a “College Town,” though UT is no longer the absolute epicenter of that city due to its insane growth over the past two decades.
But I find it interesting that Houston is never viewed as a member of that fraternity. H-Town has one of the largest “clusters” of higher education institutions in the nation. And not a day goes by without Houstonians receiving news from, about, reported on by, or researched at TSU or PV or Rice or UH or UHD or HCC or Lone Star College or etc.
Houston is a “College Town,” dagnabit! And if you don’t believe me, just check out a sampling of the continuing education programs Houston-area colleges and universities make available to Houston residents, temporary Bayou City transplants and the world. There are so many, I had to change my original plan for this article, which was to highlight five specific programs (i.e. HCC’s cloud computing or cyber security programs, UH Clear Lake’s Friday Morning continuing ed smorgasbord of offerings, etc).
Instead, here’s information on the continuing ed offices from various educational institutions in the “College Town” known as Houston.
Houston Community College
The Houston Community College School of Continuing Education faculty and staff are committed to providing outstanding instruction and services to our community in areas such as: business, languages, industrial technology & energy, information technology, construction, manufacturing, transportation, public safety, and health. We are proud of the expertise our faculty bring to the classroom. Whether changing careers or updating your skills, the School of Continuing Education can help you achieve your goals.
Prairie View A&M University
The Office of Continuing Education sustains customer loyalty by providing industry-relevant professional development courses and programs that engage PVAMU’s teaching, research, and service mission. Contact Rebecca L. Faison, Director of Continuing Education, at rlfaison@pvamu.edu for more information.
University of Houston
The University of Houston offers Professional Development and Continuing Education programs that provide adults with the essential skills to compete in today’s job market, and Summer Camps for pre-college students who will excel in the future. We believe lifelong learning is the key to achieving your professional gaols.
Rice University
The Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies connects Rice University to Houston and the world, offering exemplary educational opportunities for career changers, game-changers, lifelong learners and everyone in-between.
Continuing Education consists of fast-track certificates or courses to quickly train students for a high-demand job. Programs focus on the key technical and behavioral skills needed in the targeted occupation. Each certificate program includes either industry-recognized certification, State or National occupational accreditation. Classes are offered, day, evening, hybrid, weekend, and online. A variety of certificates in Continuing Education can be completed in 6 months or less.
Continuing Education also offers English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), High school Equivalency Test Preparation (GED), Academy for Lifelong Learning (a program for seniors 50+) and LifePath (a program for, students with cognitive learning disorders).
City of Houston
There are many free adult education programs all over Houston to help you continue your education, learn more about your finances, or get the job you are seeking for. These include programs at the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, Houston Public Library, Harris County Department of Education, Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) and MAM Literacy Advance (Wilcrest).
University of Houston Downtown
Continuing Education (CE) provides access to high-quality educational opportunities that help individuals and organizations meet diverse learning needs beyond undergraduate and graduate instruction.
University of Houston-Downtown’s Continuing Education is committed to addressing the professional and educational needs of individuals and businesses. We identify and design high quality, innovative non-degree courses and programs that provide students with in-depth study in a specific area of interest, or in a professional field enhancing their career options, knowledge and skills.
In addition to its commitment to improving professional education and enhancing career opportunities, Continuing Education responds to the diverse learning needs of local and international businesses through customized training options. The department extend the resources of the University to those eager to learn outside the structure of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
University of Houston Clear Lake
Throughout its 40-year history, UHCL has answered the professional, educational, economic and cultural needs of the upper Texas Gulf Coast. Because learning is a lifelong journey, UHCL believes in offering members of the community a way to continue their education at any stage in life. If you are a working professional wanting to enhance skills, or someone looking to enrich your personal life through knowledge, UHCL can provide the classes to make it happen. The university offers a variety of programs, courses and workshops to meet your needs.
UHCL’s extended and professional education programs are led by experts in their fields who will guide you through every step of your learning so that you leave UHCL ready to take on new challenges.
