Partnering With Our Community to Improve Outcomes for All

“An anchor institution partners with its city and the communities it serves.”

— President Blanchard

Houston faces critical challenges, including an aging population and a lack of socioeconomic mobility for its most underserved residents. Research shows earning a college degree is highly correlated with socioeconomic mobility, yet only one-third of Houston-area residents have college degrees. Supporting students to graduate and advance their own social mobility while also teaching them to effect positive change in their community are two sides of UHD’s educational efforts. Joining forces with community partners provides real-world experiences that take students beyond the classroom, enabling UHD graduates to become members of the community who both understand society’s needs and who have the financial freedom to give back.

Under Blanchard’s leadership, UHD has strengthened and added strategic partnerships with local businesses and stakeholders to support experiential learning initiatives that address the Houston community’s most critical needs.