AVANCE-Houston Celebrates First AVANCE to College Graduating Class

AVANCE-Houston proudly celebrated a historic milestone this week with the graduation of the first AVANCE to College cohort in Houston. Held at Houston City College Southeast, the ceremony honored a group of determined and resilient students who have taken an important step forward in their educational journeys.
A total of seven parents and eight children participated in this inaugural cohort, each demonstrating a strong commitment to building a brighter future through education. All graduates received a certificate of completion, marking an important achievement and a stepping stone toward continued academic success.

The event brought together graduates, families, and local leaders to recognize the accomplishments of participants who successfully completed the AVANCE to College program—an initiative designed to support individuals as they pursue higher education and career advancement.

“This graduation represents more than the completion of a program—it is a celebration of possibility,” said Luz Flores, Executive Director of AVANCE-Houston. “Our graduates have shown incredible resilience and determination, and they are paving the way for others to follow.”

The program featured remarks from Dr. Alberto Urbina, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Houston City College Southeast, and keynote speaker Anna Lisa Williford, Director of AVANCE to College. Their remarks highlighted the transformative power of education and the importance of creating pathways that support both students and families.

Graduates also heard from class speaker Lewis Omike, who delivered a powerful, heartfelt message that reflected the cohort’s shared experiences.

“We all came with dreams, but we also came with responsibilities,” he shared. “Some of us are single parents, working long hours—but today, we are proud to say we made it.”
He emphasized the deeper impact of the program, adding, “HCC and AVANCE are more than programs—they’re built on the powerful idea that when you invest in parents like us, you invest in generations. And today, we are living proof of that.”

Reflecting on the experience, he spoke about the support and connection found along the way. “In this program, we didn’t just find a classroom—we found encouragement, support, and people who believe in us,” he said.

Lewis also highlighted the importance of the parent-child connection at the heart of the program. “As parents, we are our children’s first teachers. Our children are our reason—they are our why.”

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of graduates, where each participant was recognized for their hard work and dedication. As graduates turned their tassels, they marked a powerful moment—symbolizing not only the completion of the program, but the beginning of new opportunities.

Through AVANCE to College, participants receive guidance in navigating the college process, including enrollment, academic planning, and building the confidence needed to succeed in college. The program reflects AVANCE’s broader mission to walk alongside children and families and create pathways to social and economic mobility.

The success of this inaugural cohort was made possible by strong partnerships, particularly with Houston City College Southeast, which helped bring this vision to life in Houston.

As AVANCE-Houston looks ahead, enrollment is now open for the next AVANCE to College cohort, continuing the organization’s commitment to expanding access to education and opportunity.

This first graduating class stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when communities come together to invest in families, education, and the future.