News & Updates
Winter Storm Relief Fund
SER JOBS: FREE NEW JOB TRAINING
STARTING APRIL 19TH
Houston Hire Youth Program
Apply for jobs and Internships
Workforce Solutions: Summer Programs
2021 Summer Youth Employment Initiative
2021 Summer Earn & Learn
Summer Earn and Learn is offered this summer for students with disabilities between the ages of 14-22 and who are enrolled in school.
Texas Workforce Commission pays the wages and students can earn $10 an hour for approximately 180 hours during the summer.
Thurgood Marshall: College Fund
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory Paid Summer Internship for STEM Students
Date: June 2, 2021 – August 13, 2021
Computing Virtual Internship Program remote 10-weeks
Avenue CDC/ BBVA: Virtual Financial Workshop
Public Service Recognition Week Essay Contest
Hire Houston Youth Kick Off
Save The Date application open: March 15- April 15
Apply online: https://hirehoustonyouth.org/
Have questions and need additional information or accommodations to complete application? If so, please email: summerjobsprogram@houstontx.gov
State Call Center:
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AAMA Work and Learn Center:
Paid Career Training from March 15-May 7
Our program is designed for young adults ages 16-24 who are disconnected from work and school.
We are excited to begin interviewing and accepting students for this upcoming cohort
Program description:
Our 8-week program will cover basic principles of Design and Digital Literacy, as well as help young people develop essential skills in Career Readiness.
Specifically, we aim to reach young adults who are not enrolled in high school or higher education, and who are unemployed or underemployed.
We award our students with a stipend for program participation paid in two intervals in the middle and at the end of the 8-week training.
After the 8-week training, we continue to support our students toward employment, internship, and educational goals. Additionally, our students have the opportunity to apply for paid positions as designers in our Work and Learn Center Enterprise.
How to apply:
The preliminary application can be found here: https://www.aama.org/wlc-application/
We also welcome direct referrals! Please email me at celmore@aama.org to directly refer a youth or young adult to our program.
Wrapping For Northside: Curbside Distribution
Upward Bound:
El Centro de Corazon: COVID-19 Testing Site
The Sallie Mae Fund & Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship Program
To help meet the needs of those students, The Sallie Mae Fund, the charitable arm of Sallie Mae®, has partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to launch
a new scholarship program. The Sallie Mae Fund Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program will provide $1 million a year over the next three years to help students
access and complete post-secondary education.
What You Need to Know:
Nearly 900 students, including high school seniors, students in their final year of post-secondary education, and grad students, will receive scholarships through the
scholarship program over the next three years.
Who is eligible:
- The Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors: In 2021, The Sallie Mae Fund will award (25) $10,000 scholarships to high school seniors who
plan to enroll in a two- or four-year degree professional certificate, or vocational training program. Seniors who excel inside and outside of the classroom and
demonstrate financial need can apply now through March 8 at www.salliemae.com/landing/bridging-the-dream.
- The Completing the Dream Scholarship: In 2021, The Sallie Mae Fund will award (260) gap scholarships worth up to $2,500 to minority students and those
from underserved communities who are on track to graduate but are at-risk of not completing due to financial emergency or unpaid school bill. Students can
apply for the Completing the Dream Scholarship, at www.salliemae.com/landing/completing-the-dream.
- The Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students: Coming later this year, The Sallie Mae Fund will also offer (10) $10,000 scholarship to minority
students and those from disadvantaged communities who are pursuing a graduate degree.
For official scholarship rules, visit salliemae.com/about/scholarship-opportunities. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Ends March 8.
Baylor College of Medicine: Teen Health Clinic
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
YOUNG INVINCIBLES
We are seeking passionate youth leaders, ages 18-26, who are looking to become involved in youth activism to join our young advocates program. This is a paid opportunity for current youth leaders to be part of an initiative to promote healthcare access and economic justice
We are especially interested in welcoming young people of color, opportunity youth, young people who are parenting, young people in apprenticeships/work based learning and first generation college students into our spring cohort. We have positions open in Austin, Houston, and East Texas.
Young Advocates Would:
· Participate in weekly Friday 4-hour virtual training and design meetings throughout the Spring (February-May 2021)
· Participate in smaller team projects for an additional 6 hours per week
· Receive $15/hr for 10hrs per week
· Connect, partner and network with key organizational leaders and young advocates
· Contribute their voice to our policy work
Do you have inquires about funding and specific questions about each program?
If so, please visit www.hccs.edu/fast-track
Warrior-Scholar Project
Warrior-Scholar Project has opened the application for summer 2021! What is Warrior-Scholar Project? In short, these are academic boot camps run in partnership with outstanding colleges and universities for enlisted veterans or transitioning service members pursuing or hoping to pursue an undergraduate degree.
To complete application please click on link below
https://www.warrior-scholar.org/apply
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding admissions, please contact the outreach and admissions team at admissions@warrior-scholar.org.
Living English Lessons with Houston Public Library
FREE English lessons designed to help you live, work, and play here in Houston. Pick your class, register for a live lesson, or watch videos on demand. Click on the link below to find out more:
Scholarship Opportunities
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Apple HBCU Scholars
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Don’t Mess with Texas Scholarship Contest
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Big Future Scholarship
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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship
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St. Paul Scholarship Foundation
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Univision and University of Houston-Downtown
Positive Parenting Program
Families Count
4
Behavioral Health Resources
Computer Access Program
Dental Services for Infants, Children, Teens and Adults with El Centro de Corazon www.elcentrodecorazon.org / 713-660-1880
HCC’s TRIO Educational Opportunity Center
The TRIO Educational Center (EOC) is a federally funded program at Houston Community College that provides information on career training, high school equivalency preparation, college readiness classes and financial aid application assistance to individuals in the Houston and surrounding areas who qualify for services.
Program Services
All Services are free.
- Assistance with the completion of college admission and financial aid applications
- Career planning and counseling
- Entrance examination information
- Financial literacy and student loan default counseling
- Personal Counseling
- Information on post-secondary educational programs including trade and vocational schools
- Referrals for public assistance and services
- Referral to adult basic education and GED classes as needed
- Scholarship information and assistance
- Testing workshops
Although employment information is sometimes available, EOC is NOT a job placement service. EOC helps students who wish to apply for financial aid. The program DOES NOT provide financial assistance for educational or other purposes.
Program Eligibility
You are eligible to participate in the EOC program if you:
- Are a high school senior and 19 years of age or older; and
- Are a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident or are in the U.S. for other than a temporary purpose and can provide evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of your intent to become a permanent resident; and
- Express a desire to enroll, or are enrolled in a program of postsecondary education, and request information or assistance in applying for admission to, or financial aid for such a program; and
- Do not have a four-year college degree; and/or
- A veteran regardless of age if you satisfy the eligibility requirements listed above
If you think you may be eligible for EOC services please complete an application.
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center Application-09042018
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center Application – Spanish_09042018
For more information, please visit: hccs.edu/trioeoc
If you have any further questions about our program, please contact Dr. LaTonya Brown at 713-718-6330 or email hcc.trioeoc@hccs.edu
Educational Opportunity Center
Houston Community College MC1638
6815 Rustic Houston, TX 77087
FAFSA – Live Help!
Houston Public Library – Online Learning Resource – Brainfuse – will be offering live assistance for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)!
Filling out the FAFSA can be a complex, but necessary, process. Brainfuse now offers live online FAFSA tutors – available to help both students and parents complete the FAFSA application. Whether you are not sure how to start or have questions on specific aspects, Brainfuse tutors are ready to assist! Brainfuse HelpNow Just click on “Featured Service”. Advising is available in English, Spanish and French.
HISD launches ‘Let’s Stay Connected’ mental health hotline for students and parents
The Houston Independent School District has announced the launch of Let’s Stay Connected, a mental health hotline for students and parents to provide emotional, social, and psychological support to students and parents who feel the need for assistance.
Students and parents may call the Let’s Stay Connected Hotline at 713-556-1340 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Trained staff from HISD’s Social and Emotional Learning Department are available to offer counseling, mental health education, and make referrals in English and Spanish.
“One of the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis we have seen is an increase in the need for mental health support among our students and parents,” Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “May is Mental Health Awareness Month so what better time to launch our hotline to address families’ needs in a way that is easily accessible and at no cost to them.”
Callers to the hotline may remain anonymous.
All HISD staff members are reminded they have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which may be reached by calling 833-812-5181 and is offered at no cost to employees.
HISD Mental Health HOTLINE NUMBER: 713-556-1340
Available Hours: 24/7
Houston Community College (HCC) has launched a new initiative, JobsNowHouston.org, showcasing in-demand occupations and the accelerated certificate programs offered by HCC needed to obtain these jobs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced more than 1.5 million Texans to file for unemployment. However, across the state, nearly 481,000 job openings have been posted in the last several months. The focus of this initiative is to let Houstonians know that there are jobs available right now, and encourage them to come train at HCC for in-demand industries, such as healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, information technology, and construction.
HCC has 270 certifications and 100 instructional programs in these fields; many of which are offered online or in hybrid delivery models designed to safely train Houston’s future workforce.
We are all in this together to get Houstonians back to work and our economy going again. Visit our website JobsNowHouston.org to learn more and get the training you need today!
Metro: COVID-19 RESPONSE
Providing Essential Service for
Essential People
METRO is committed to the safety of
our customers and employees during
this challenging time as we respond
to COVID-19.
Moving People
Providing Essential Service for
Essential People
METRO is committed to the safety of
our customers and employees during
this challenging time as we respond
to COVID-19.
• Transportation is vital as it relates to
essential employees and others who
depend on METRO
• Adding buses to our most traveled routes
including those in the Texas Medical Center
• Adding a TMC Shuttle route to move
essential employees in the Texas Medical
Center
Keeping the System
Clean
• Continued emphasis on disinfecting
surfaces touched by the public
• Ongoing dedication to thorough, daily
cleaning of bus and rail vehicles as well
as additional midday cleaning
• Frequent cleaning of bus shelters and rail
platforms
Encouraging Social
Distancing
• Installing seat tags on bus and rail vehicles
to encourage social distancing
• Monitoring boardings per vehicle to enable
a safe passenger capacity of 50 percent
• Instituting rear boarding to reduce bus
operator and customer interaction
• Adding buses to routes with more riders to
enable social distancing
• Installing orange mesh barriers to keep
more distance between bus operators and
customers
Focusing on People
• Encouraging people to wear a face mask,
providing information on how to make a
face mask, and working to make masks
available to people as requested
• Offering free fares to limit unnecessary
exposure for customers and employees
• Requiring temperature checks for all
employees at METRO facilities
• Providing masks and hand sanitizer to all
bus and rail operator
Going the Extra Mile
• Using METROLift vehicles to deliver
groceries to those in need in conjunction
with the Mayor’s Office for People with
Disabilities
• Providing relief buses at testing sites
• Acting as a leader in the industry by
sharing best practices and educational
materials with other transit agencies
• Working to show ongoing appreciation for
frontline employees
METRO continues to monitor service needs throughout the region. We
remain dedicated to being the transportation provider for our region.
For additional information please visit RIDEMETRO.ORG
Emergency Funds
UHD has announced the Gator Emergency Fund for students impacted by COVID-19. Learn more about how you can help our students. If you’re a student who needs assistance, you can read more about the Emergency funds and application.
SER jobs: Young Adult Reentry online application (houston hire youth INCENTIVE)
Have you been involved with the juvenile or adult justice system? Do you believe your background is holding you back from attending school, getting a job, or obtaining valuable training?
If you are between the ages of 18-24, involved with the juvenile or adult justice system, reside in the city of Houston, Harris County, and interested in making a change in your life, this program is for you!
The Department of Labor funded program will provide education (GED classes), training (Occupational Skills Training), Paid Work Experience (paid internships), and employment support (job search, job readiness, and placement) all at no cost to you. If you are interested in any of these services or in all of them, complete your application now!
Please click link below to begin the application process.
DOL Young Adult Reentry Application
HCC is offering GED classes virtually.
Below is a link to register.
Legacy Community Health
Is still open and taking appointments via telehealth or in clinic for OB, Pediatrics, Family Medicine and Behavioral Health.
For more information please click on link below
https://www.legacycommunityhealth.org/services/pediatrics/pediatric-telehealth/
Be Red Cross Ready
Coping with Sheltering at Home during COVID-19
For information on staying safe, see https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/coronavirus-safety.html
Local and state officials are using shelter-at-home (sometimes called shelter-in-place) orders to slow the
spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). By staying home, people can help minimize how many people are
getting sick at the same time, protect those at higher risk of severe illness and prevent our health care system
from getting overwhelmed.
Unfortunately, sheltering at home can disrupt your routines and make everyday activities, such as work and
caring for loved ones, challenging. These changes, on top of the general uncertainty around this pandemic,
can create feelings of stress, fear and nervousness. These feelings are normal, and people typically bounce
back after difficult times.
The following information can help you cope with stress and support others during this emergency
What is Sheltering at Home?
• Sheltering at home means that you remain at home,
and only go out to purchase essential supplies, visit
medical professionals or leave during an emergency.
• Following the instructions of local officials will
help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Coping Tips:
• Stay connected with loved ones through video calls,
phone calls, texts or social media.
• Remain informed with accurate, reliable
information. Avoid social media accounts and news
outlets that promote fear or rumors.
• Monitor your physical health needs and those of
your loved ones. Eat healthy food, and drink plenty
of water.
• Unless you are showing signs of illness or have
tested positive for COVID-19, going outside to
exercise and walk pets is ok. But don’t forget to
practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet
away from others.
• Hold an image in your mind of the best possible
outcome. Make a list of your personal strengths
and use these to help both yourself and others stay
emotionally strong.
• If you are religious or spiritual, follow practices
at home that provide you with comfort and
emotional strength.
It’s normal for people to have these
types of feelings right now:
• Fear about running out of essential supplies.
• Anxiety, particularly about being
separated from loved ones.
• Uncertainty about how long you will
need to shelter at home.
• Concerns for your physical safety and that of others.
• Fear of getting sick.
• Guilt about not being able to fulfill responsibilities,
such as work, parenting or caring for dependents.
• Boredom or isolation.
• Thoughts of blame, worry or fear.
• Worry about loss of income.
• Fear of being stigmatized or labeled by
this illness, if you become sick.
Helping Others:
• Reach out to older adults or people with chronic
health conditions and offer to help.
Talk to your children and explain why this is
happening and how long it might last. Use
language that is normal and consistent with
how you usually communicate. Be creative
and think of fun activities that will occupy their
time. Keep a schedule, set appropriate limits
and maintain usual rules when possible.
Take care of your pets, which can be an essential
part of your support system.
Show kindness to people who may not have a
support system or are isolated. There may be
limits to what you can do in reaching out, but a
little kindness may be just what someone needs.
Food Distribution Program
“The City of Houston is operating a curbside meal program at 50 community centers around the city.
The free meals are distributed Monday through Friday between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The meals include lunch and a snack and are available for children and teens up to the age 18.
“Only children who come to the site for pickup can receive the meal,” the district reminded. “Parents are not allowed to take food for a child that is not present at the time of pickup.”
Families can also visit HoustonFoodBank.org to find out more places they can go to get food.”