Texas Medical Center and San Jacinto College Launch Partnership to Boost the Talent Pipeline for Advanced Therapeutics Manufacturing in the Greater Houston Region
HOUSTON, TX (April 15, 2026) – Texas Medical Center (TMC), the world’s largest medical complex, and San Jacinto College (SJC) today announced a new partnership to boost the advanced therapeutics manufacturing talent pipeline in the greater Houston region. The collaboration will better align student pathways with the rapidly evolving needs of the life sciences and biomanufacturing sectors, which are aiming to modernize drug production, reduce shortages, and facilitate the reshoring of manufacturing.
TMC and SJC will jointly design and implement initiatives that promote student recruitment, enrollment, and participation in San Jacinto College’s bio and pharmaceutical manufacturing programs.
“Houston is a premier global hub for life sciences and biotechnology, and the talent we need to advance therapeutic drugs, diagnostics, and cell and gene therapy is already here,” said William McKeon, president and CEO of Texas Medical Center. “With more companies choosing to establish their headquarters in Houston and the daily breakthroughs happening across the TMC campus, partnering with San Jacinto College is an important step toward sustaining that momentum and unlocking even greater innovation and growth through the promising talent that already exists within our state.”
Biomanufacturing is one of Houston’s fastest-growing career paths within the life sciences ecosystem, where the demand for job-ready technicians currently outpaces the available supply. Through joint efforts, partners will raise awareness among students and expand opportunities for career exploration, skills training, and work-based learning, aligning workforce preparation with industry needs.
“This partnership exemplifies San Jacinto College’s ability to design and deliver programs that align with current workforce demands while opening doors for untapped talent across the Houston region,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. “TMC is a key industry leader in our region, and San Jacinto College has a unique global curriculum that provides the foundation and skills required for students to succeed and graduates to thrive in meaningful careers that will contribute to the innovation and advancement of the life sciences.”
This is an initial two-year partnership with an option to extend. Texas Medical Center will introduce high school students to the career path, connect students to industry networks, provide workforce insights, and support recruitment for San Jacinto College’s bio and pharmaceutical manufacturing programs, while the College will co-develop experiential learning opportunities and explore advanced training options.
TMC’s BioPath program, which introduces Houston high school students to careers in biomanufacturing and the life sciences through hands-on learning, career simulations, and mentorship, has engaged more than 2,000 students over the past two years. Meanwhile, San Jacinto College is celebrating some of its first graduates who have already secured positions in the local workforce.
The MOU was signed on April 14, 2026. For more information, please visit www.tmc.edu and www.sanjac.edu.
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About Texas Medical Center (TMC): TMC is the world’s most comprehensive life science ecosystem. At the forefront of advancing life sciences, TMC is on a mission to further accelerate the pace of healing by harnessing its collective expertise in innovation, research, development, production, and patient care – all within a single, centralized medical ecosystem. With over 70+ million square feet and 120,000+ employees, TMC is leveraging its collective power by pioneering a revolutionary life sciences initiative that encompasses the entire treatment life cycle, from discovery to delivery, within a single, world-class medical complex, on a scale never before seen.
About San Jacinto College: Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more at sanjac.edu/accreditation. For more information about San Jacinto College, visit sanjac.edu.