TCC joins North Texas leaders in call for stronger education-industry partnerships

Education, business and civic leaders gathered in Fort Worth for the Fort Worth Business Press 2026 State of Higher Education Forum, where panelists emphasized that North Texas’ future depends on close cooperation between schools and employers.

Tarrant County College Chancellor Elva LeBlanc said community colleges often serve as the first place where students and employers connect. She highlighted TCC partnerships with the aviation, automotive and healthcare industries, where colleges and employers work together to create training pathways aligned with workforce needs.

“Students don’t just earn credentials. They move into careers waiting for them,” LeBlanc said.

LeBlanc also said 85 percent of Tarrant County College graduates remain in Tarrant County. Keeping graduates in the area, she said, helps support employers and makes it easier to recruit companies to the region.

Other higher education leaders at the forum discussed the need to retain high-achieving students in North Texas. Tarleton State University President James Hurley said out-of-state institutions actively recruit the region’s top students, contributing to concerns about “brain drain.”

Texas Wesleyan University President Emily Messer pointed to early partnerships as one way to build local talent. Through a School of Education partnership with Everman ISD, students in the district’s CTE education pathway can earn 12 credits through junior- and senior-level courses while beginning preparation for teaching careers.

Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Montgomery said employers consistently list attracting and retaining workers with needed skills among their top concerns. Panelists said internships, externships and public-private partnerships can help students gain experience while giving employers opportunities to identify future employees.

Representatives from American Airlines, Autobahn Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Police Department shared examples of such opportunities leading to full-time careers.

Tarrant County College serves nearly 100,000 students each year and partners with more than 1,200 employers through its campuses and TCC Connect, its fully online learning option.