Returning to Houston after a 36-year absence to join Houston Community College (HCC) was a full-circle moment for me. My journey from Third Ward and Sunnyside to serving in the U.S. Army, and later living in San Antonio, was one I never expected to take. However, the opportunity to contribute to my community through education called me back home. Today, as the Communications Director for HCC’s Central Campus, I have the privilege of engaging with communities that shaped me and spreading the good news about the wealth of educational opportunities that are right here in our city.

When I was growing up, my mother instilled in me the importance of education. While some might view her disciplinary approach as tough, it shaped my outlook on learning and my desire to pursue higher education. Now, I use those same values to encourage our young people to explore the diverse academic opportunities that await them—especially the value of short-term credentials.

I’ve often found myself engaging with the communities I grew up in, from city meetings to everyday interactions at places like HEB and Frenchy’s Chicken. And one thing I hear frequently is that many of our residents are unaware of the incredible programs offered by HCC. Even more surprising is that many of these programs are either no-cost, through grants, or extremely affordable.

Houston is home to a veritable gold mine of educational resources. HCC is one of the top institutions in the nation, ranking third for awarding associate degrees to African Americans. However, our city has more than 505,000 Black or African American residents, yet only 36.5% have some college experience or hold an associate’s degree. This is where short-term credentials can make a real impact.

For many, the path to education after high school is unclear. Some don’t feel the need to pursue a four-year college degree or take on student loan debt. The reality is, a traditional four-year degree may not be the best option for everyone, especially when there are practical, hands-on opportunities in fields that provide stability, high wages, and personal fulfillment.

At HCC, we offer programs designed for those who wish to jump straight into the workforce with specialized skills that employers are eager to hire for. Whether it's in the booming fields of HVAC repair, solar installation, or other trade skills, young people can walk away with a certificate that positions them for immediate employment. I often joke that we don’t need more digital influencers and rappers; we need electricians, welders, and plumbers who will contribute to the foundation of our economy.

A recent study by New America revealed that 34% of Gen-Zer’s believe a technical certificate can lead to a well-paying, stable career. That’s the power of stackable credentials—short-term certifications that build upon one another, allowing individuals to specialize in a field, work, and later return for additional certifications or even a business degree to enhance their career.

The key here is flexibility. HCC has embraced nontraditional credentials that are designed to be quicker, cheaper, and more flexible than traditional educational pathways. For the youth in our community, these credentials provide not only the chance to earn a good income but also to break the cycle of generational poverty that too many of us face.

What’s holding our youth back from pursuing these opportunities? In some cases, it’s a lack of direction or awareness about available programs. Socioeconomic challenges, mental health issues, and family engagement also play a role in limiting access to these educational resources. However, we must do more to address these barriers and create a clear path for our youth.

I believe wholeheartedly in the potential of Houston's Black youth, and it’s my mission to help them explore the opportunities that HCC offers. It’s time to empower them to enroll in college, stack certifications, and break free from the limitations of their circumstances. Together, we can help them create brighter futures.

Next time you see me at Watkins in Sunnyside or the Reggae Hut in Third Ward, let’s talk about solutions for enrolling our youth in programs that will help them thrive, succeed, and change the world.

Donald Sparks is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major and Communications Director for Houston Community College’s Central Campus. He holds a master’s in leadership studies from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master’s in Public Leadership from the University of San Francisco. A proud graduate of Evan E. Worthing High School, he remains dedicated to helping his community and empowering Houston’s next generation.