Overview
Impact
Many students start college unsure of how their courses will add up to real opportunities. McLennan Community College (MCC) changes that.
The college has created visual pathway guides that map credentials — like certificates and degrees — to careers, complete with job titles and earning potential in fields like business, health care, and public service. For the 70% of MCC students who work while in school, that kind of clarity matters as every course brings them closer to a job.
The guides give students a clear view of options, stronger advising sessions, and confidence that their choices connect to a career. From day one, even intro classes become the first steps toward credentials, skills, and jobs that pay off right away.
Clearer pathways don’t just benefit students — they strengthen the region. Waco is the largest metro area in Texas without a public university, making MCC the area’s most important provider of public higher education. By aligning programs with local workforce demand, MCC gives students direction while providing employers with a reliable pipeline of talent.
That alignment also gives students visible momentum. What once felt like a long-term investment with distant rewards now delivers progress at every step. Pathway guides highlight short-term credentials — from analytics to information technology to real estate — that lead to immediate job opportunities. Students are building their careers while earning degrees, and they can see their advancement in real time.
With 28 career-aligned programs, strong employer ties, and a model designed for working students, MCC ensures every credential counts. Programs are developed with direct input from local employers who:
These partnerships often lead directly to jobs, giving students confidence that what they’re learning will translate into opportunity. It’s why MCC is more than a place to earn a credential. It’s where careers begin.
Emily launched her career in early childhood education through McLennan Community College’s apprenticeship program, where she earned her first credential. That step led to her first job and opened the door to more opportunities in the field.
Today, she works at a childcare center in a preschool classroom while pursuing additional certifications and her associate degree.
“Every day, I see the impact I can make in children’s lives, and it inspires me to keep learning.”
