November 10, 2026 – Houston City College (HCC) is proving that when authentic student success meets exceptional storytelling, the results can reach far beyond the classroom—and straight to the national spotlight.

In another proud chapter of its commitment to educational excellence, HCC’s Strategic Marketing and Communications team has earned two prestigious finalist nominations in the 2026 Ragan PR Daily Awards, recognizing its creativity, innovation and ability to communicate the life-changing value of higher education.

The nationally recognized campaign, “Real Students. Real Careers. Real Results.”, secured finalist honors in the Education/EdTech Campaign and Visual Storytelling Initiatives categories. Featuring compelling student-centered video stories broadcast on Houston’s KPRC television, the campaign transforms educational aspirations into powerful narratives of opportunity and achievement.

And in Houston, where ambition is practically a second language, those stories resonate.

 

Real Students, Remarkable Possibilities

Rather than relying on traditional institutional advertising, HCC placed its most persuasive ambassadors front and center: its students.

The campaign celebrates individuals pursuing degrees, developing workforce skills and preparing for careers that strengthen Houston’s economic future.

For an institution with a longstanding commitment to accessibility, workforce development and community advancement, the recognition represents more than marketing excellence. It underscores HCC’s enduring mission of opening educational doors.

“I am very proud of the work being done by our marketing and communications professionals to tell the HCC story and highlight the impact our college is making in the region,” said HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D.

Her pride reflects an institution where educational achievement extends beyond diplomas to encompass economic mobility, family prosperity and generational opportunity.

Houston Excellence Earns National Applause

Ragan’s PR Daily Awards recognize outstanding achievements in public relations, marketing and strategic communications, honoring campaigns demonstrating creativity, effective strategy and measurable impact.

“Houston City College earned its place among the finalists in a highly competitive field,” said Brendan Gannon, director of marketing for Ragan and PR Daily. “The work in this category set a high bar, and we can't wait to celebrate it in New York in December.”

The HCC team will join communications professionals from across the country at the PR Daily Awards Luncheon on December 2, 2026, at City Winery in New York City, where category winners will be announced.

A Legacy of Opportunity, A Future of Achievement

Serving more than 100,000 students across 20 locations and through online education, Houston City College offers over 300 academic and workforce programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, certificates and professional training.

For Houston Style Magazine, a longtime champion of educational access and community achievement, HCC’s national recognition reinforces a powerful truth: Houston’s greatest success stories begin with people empowered to pursue their dreams.

Two finalist honors. One extraordinary Houston institution. Countless futures waiting to be transformed.

Real students. Real careers. Real results. Indeed.

For more information, visit Houston City College and 2026 Ragan PR Daily Awards.