Partnership with Marek Construction offers dual credits, industry credentials

Houston Independent School District Career and Technical Education students signed commitments on Tuesday to complete a two-year Marek Construction Academy program at Houston Community College.

The commitment ceremony took place during a physically distanced drive-in event in the HCC Southeast Campus parking lot. Students received commendations from executive leadership and then made their way to the stage individually to sign their commitment forms.

“We are proud of all of you. Hone your skills, learn your trade and strive to be the best,” Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “As you grow in this career, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you made a great choice to invest in yourself and an excellent program.”

The cost-free program, which is in its second year, offers dual credits and industry credentials to HISD students from both Austin and Milby high schools who spend a portion of their instructional day learning general construction skills at HCC’s Southeast Campus with a certified Marek Bros. field supervisor/craft instructor. Marek is a specialty construction company and through this program students spend their summer working for the company as paid interns.

“When my teacher told me about the dual-credit hours I could receive I was really interested in the program,” Victoria Magallon, a Marek Construction Academy student from Austin High School, said. “I am really looking forward to the summer where I will learn more about construction and I will get to really socialize with my teachers.”