Vocational Advancement & Skills Training (VAST) Academy

VAST Academy Advisory Board Members:

• Winston Chambers, Houston Independent School District
• Mario Diaz, VAST Alumni
• Tiffany Grady, HCC & VAST Alumni
• Damien Harris, The Pursuit Center
• LaShawna Hill, Star State Community
• Charles Kerlegon, The Pursuit Center
• Amy Lipp, Spring Branch Independent School District
• Angel Ponce, Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities
• Janniece Sleigh, The ARC of Harris County
• Jan Stailey, Rise School of Houston
• Shelley Townsend, University of Houston and Families CAN

Community, Employer Partners and Donors:

• Assistance League of Houston, Scholarship Donor
• Robert & Janice Glaser Family Foundation Endowment, Scholarship Donor
• MD Anderson, Employer/Internship Partner
• Pursuit Center, Community Partner
• Houston ISD, Community Partner
• Spring-Branch ISD, Community 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