Nov 17, 2025
Student walking in front of the Administration Building
College of the Mainland’s Doyle Family Administration Building.

College of the Mainland (COM) was recently named one of nine community colleges awarded a $500,000 planning grant by Houston Endowment. The planning grant supports the design and implementation of capacity-building strategies that align with the Texas House Bill 8 (HB 8) and Senate Bill 1786 (SB 1786).

These planning grants are designed to help colleges develop strategies that increase the number of students successfully completing their education and earning credentials of value that lead to high-wage, high-demand jobs.

“This grant represents an important investment in our students and community,” said Heather Rhodes, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “It allows us to strengthen the systems that help learners complete their education, earn credentials that matter and enter high-demand fields with confidence.”

HB 8 replaces a decades-old enrollment-based funding formula with a performance-based model that ties state funding to measurable outcomes, emphasizing the completion of credentials of value, successful transfers to four-year institutions and dual credit completion for high school students. SB 1786 further supports this shift by refining the definition of credentials of value, expanding data use to align programs with labor market needs and strengthening pathways across institutions.

“Through this planning grant, we can enhance the way we analyze student outcomes data and identify where additional support is most needed,” said COM President Dr. Helen Brewer. “Stronger insight leads to stronger pathways, and that directly benefits our students and community.”

College of the Mainland offers a variety of programs that prepare students for high-demand careers in health sciences, public safety, industrial trades, education, business and technology. By working closely with local employers and workforce partners, COM ensures its programs align with regional labor market needs and provide students with the skills and credentials that help our communities grow.