Houston just scored a game-changing goal off the pitch. In a move that blends the passion of sports with the promise of education, Houston Dynamo FC and Houston City College (HCC) have forged a historic partnership aimed at empowering the city’s next generation of leaders.

Under this new alliance, HCC joins the Dynamo family as the Club’s official education partner, ushering in a wave of collaborative initiatives designed to connect students with real-world experience in the sports and entertainment industry — from marketing and operations to leadership and community engagement.

 A Partnership That Means More Than a Game

“This partnership is about opportunity,” said Jessica O’Neill, President of Business Operations for Houston Dynamo FC. “Our Club is deeply committed to creating programs that extend far beyond the pitch. Together with HCC, we’re helping students gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and the confidence to dream bigger.”

Echoing that sentiment, Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, Chancellor of Houston City College, emphasized that education and athletics share a common goal — preparation for greatness.
“This partnership embodies what Houston City College represents — creating real opportunities that change lives,” she said. “Together with Houston Dynamo FC, we’re uniting education, sports, and community to empower the next generation of leaders.”

 Scholarships & Hands-On Experience

At the heart of the partnership lies the Houston Dynamo FC–HCC Scholarship Fund, which will award two annual scholarships to HCC students pursuing degrees in business, marketing, sports, or community leadership. Scholarship recipients will be honored on-field at a Dynamo match and featured in the Club’s “Education Spotlight presented by HCC” series — shining a light on the city’s most inspiring student stories.

Students will also enjoy unprecedented access to internship and job shadowing programs within the Dynamo organization. From behind-the-scenes work at Shell Energy Stadium to learning the intricacies of team operations, communications, and community outreach, this partnership is a launchpad for Houston’s emerging talent.

Kicking Off Careers at Shell Energy Stadium

One of the marquee events born from this partnership will be the “Dynamo x HCC Career Kickoff” — a hybrid job fair, mentorship summit, and industry showcase at Shell Energy Stadium. This immersive event will connect students directly with professionals in Houston’s sports and entertainment sector, offering real insights into what it takes to thrive in these fast-paced industries.

 Community Impact Beyond the Classroom

The collaboration doesn’t stop at the stadium gates. Dynamo players and staff will bring the partnership to life across HCC campuses and local schools through STEM and sports-career workshops, community service projects, and youth soccer clinics. These outreach initiatives aim to blend education with inspiration, nurturing not just future professionals, but engaged citizens committed to their communities.

As part of the agreement, HCC will feature in-stadium signage and game-day visibility at Dynamo matches — a symbol of the shared mission to uplift Houston through education, sportsmanship, and civic pride.

 Building a Legacy for Houston

With this partnership, the Houston Dynamo FC and Houston City College are creating something far greater than a sponsorship — they’re building a legacy. Together, they’re proving that when education and sports unite, the entire city wins.

In Houston, it’s more than a game.
It’s a future — powered by passion, purpose, and partnership.