BLINN’S HODDE CENTER SEES 65% ENROLLMENT INCREASE THIS SPRING

  

Fueled by significant growth in its healthcare and construction management programs, the Blinn College District’s A.W. Hodde Jr. Technical Education Center in Brenham has experienced a 65% increase in student enrollment this spring compared to spring 2024.

Enrollment figures for spring 2025 include 91 students in healthcare courses, up from 60 last spring, and 78 students in construction management, up from 28 last year. Overall, the Hodde Center now supports 211 students compared to 133 last spring.

“We are continually enhancing our programs to ensure that students have streamlined access and clear pathways to successful careers,” said Marshall Rich, Dean for Applied Technology, Workforce, and Economic Development. “Strategically placing our construction management courses exclusively at the Hodde Center has significantly increased our enrollment and streamlined the student experience.”

The growth in construction management follows Blinn’s strategic decision to consolidate these courses exclusively at the Hodde Center. The Construction Management Program offers students industry-focused training that leads to rewarding careers in construction supervision, project management, and construction technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction managers earn a median salary of $104,900 per year. Detailed program information can be found at www.blinn.edu/construction-management.

Through the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician programs, the Hodde Center provides healthcare students with critical hands-on experience and certifications in high-demand medical fields. This spring, 41 dual-credit students from Brenham, Burton, Giddings, and Weimar ISDs enrolled in the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants earn a median salary of $42,000 per year, while pharmacy technicians earn $40,300 per year. More information about these programs is available at www.blinn.edu/clinical-medical-assistant and www.blinn.edu/pharmacy-technician.

With the support of the Blinn College Foundation, Blinn has already awarded nearly $141,000 in scholarships to students enrolled in Applied Technology, Workforce, and Economic Development courses, ensuring financial support is readily available to students pursuing technical education.

Blinn also receives support from its Hodde Center Advisory Committee, comprised of industry leaders with a keen understanding of the community’s workforce training needs.

“We deeply appreciate the insight, guidance, and support provided by our Hodde Technical Center Advisory Committee, as well as local industry leaders who help make our programs successful and relevant to the current job market,” said Jay Anderson, Vice Chancellor for Applied Sciences, Workforce, and Economic Development.

Registration for Blinn’s May minimester and summer courses opens to new students on March 31, with fall registration beginning April 9. Prospective students are encouraged to enroll early to secure their preferred courses and schedules.

To learn more and register for upcoming courses, visit www.blinn.edu.

(Story courtesy Blinn Information)