For six decades, Tarrant County College has been a driving force behind North Texas’ growth—a place where students of every background find opportunity and employers discover the skilled talent they need to thrive. And for six decades, the Chamber has been their trusted partner in this endeavor.

What began as a daring idea in 1965 has become one of the most influential institutions in the region. Local voters approved creating the Tarrant County Junior College District by a 2-to-1 margin, confident in the belief that accessible higher education strengthens communities and fuels economic progress. That vision took hold quickly and continues to drive the College’s work to propel students from education into employment.

Today, TCC serves nearly 100,000 learners annually across six campuses, including fully online options. With more than 240 degree and certificate programs, the College strengthens every corner of the regional workforce — from aerospace, healthcare, and cybersecurity to automotive technology, film, and public services.

TCC’s economic footprint is equally significant. A study by the labor market analysis firm Lightcast shows that the College generates $2.3 billion in added income for Tarrant County each year and supports one in every 55 local jobs. Behind each number is a story of upward mobility for first-generation graduates, working adults reskilling for new careers, and entrepreneurs launching their futures.

A legacy built with community partnership

TCC engages community partners to help meet ever-growing workforce demand. Local business, civic and education leaders introduced the College, and they continue to shape its trajectory.

That collaborative spirit is evident across TCC’s signature workforce programs.

• Aviation: TCC’s Northwest Center of Excellence for Aviation, Transportation, and Logistics trains students on fully operational hangars and industry-standard technology. Aviation leaders Southwest Airlines, L3Harris, Gulfstream, Embraer, Bell Helicopter, and Bombardier are recruiting straight from TCC classrooms.
• Healthcare: Clinical partnerships and support programs, including a TRUE (Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education) grant are expanding pathways in high-demand fields such as phlebotomy, patient care, pharmacy tech, and nuclear medicine.
• Automotive technology: Collaborations with Toyota, Peterbilt, and Autobahn provide career-ready training and/or scholarships for aspiring technicians.
• Cybersecurity: Backed by a corporate partnership, TCC earned designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.

With more than 1,200 business partners and over 70 university transfer partners, TCC is a cornerstone in the regional talent ecosystem.

Fueled by innovation and access

From starting one of the nation’s earliest fully online campuses to creating tuition-free dual credit opportunities for high school students, TCC has evolved to address community needs.

Its strategic plan, Trailblazing Together: 2030, charts a bold course focused on student success, community prosperity, and economic mobility. As Chancellor Elva LeBlanc emphasizes, TCC’s mission is clear: Deliver accessible, high-quality educational experiences that create lasting impact.

Board President Jeannie Deakyne echoes that message, noting that “TCC’s presence isn’t measured in buildings. It’s seen in the lives transformed and the communities empowered.”

Trailblazing the next 60 years

Across six decades, the College has served more than 1.2 million students and awarded nearly 180,000 credentials of value. From the founding trustees to today’s faculty, staff and partners, its story is one of vision, courage and persistent pursuit of opportunity.

As TCC celebrates its 60th anniversary, the message is mistakable: The trailblazing will never stop. “We’re just getting started,” Chancellor LeBlanc recently told community leaders. “Together we’re building better tomorrows for our students and for the region we love.”

For more information, visit https://www.tccd.edu/