On December 1, 2025, AVANCE-Houston and Houston Community College (HCC) Southeast hosted a memorable event to launch AVANCE to College, a new program designed to help parents of young children pursue higher education while strengthening their parenting and leadership skills.
The celebration brought together current students, AVANCE-Houston, and HCC leadership and staff, all united by a shared commitment to empowering families through education. One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of a stunning mural symbolizing the two-generation approach—a parent and child graduating side by side, representing the ripple effect of education across families and communities.
“This partnership is about opening doors,” said Luz E. Flores, Executive Director of AVANCE-Houston. “Together, we’re creating pathways that transform lives and strengthen communities.”
About the Program
Nearly one in five college students is a parent, and many face challenges such as childcare and financial barriers. AVANCE to College addresses these obstacles by combining parenting education with college and career readiness. Families receive interactive workshops, academic planning support, financial aid guidance, and personalized home visits to ensure success both at home and in school.
Aligned with Texas House Bill 1361, the program supports student parents through family-friendly resources and tailored advising. By engaging parents as learners and leaders, AVANCE to College empowers families to reach milestones they once thought were out of reach.
Enrollment Now Open
Parents of children ages 0–5 (including expecting parents) can apply today to join AVANCE to College and start their journey toward higher education.
For more information, contact jehernandez@avancehouston.org
This website is supported by the Grant Numbers Early Head Start/Head Start 06CH011541, 06HP000564, 06HP000534, FRAMEWorks: 90ZB0030 and Ready for Life: 90ZD0003 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of AVANCE-Houston, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.
