A memorandum of understanding between the University of Houston System and Houston Community College-Northwest became official March 28.

The two entities have worked together for decades, but the MOU further expands higher education opportunities for students by increasing programs offered by both systems and creating smooth transitions from HCC to UH.

HCC-Northwest President Zachary Hodges said the agreement will help the establishments better serve the community.

"In today's world of limited resources, it just makes sense for us to work together," he said.

The schools' unofficial partnership involved both schools borrowing space from each other when convenient, Hodges said. The MOU will bring an increase in programs offered by both entities, including workforce-specific pathways for students, and programs with classes at both campuses.

Students will then have the ability to begin an academic career at HCC and then make a smooth transition into a four-year degree with UH.

"It is a good deal for citizens and helps with efficiency—students do not have to waste their time taking courses they don't need," Hodges said.

To train and prepare students for the workforce, Hodges said, HCC and UH plan to work with local employers, specifically in the health care industry. He said the schools are looking for feedback from the community to help determine other target industries.

UH plans to expand its graduate-level programs and transition its Cinco Ranch facility into a graduate and professional educational center, said Marshall Schott, associate vice chancellor for planning and administration at UH.

In preparation for the change, he said, more undergraduate classes will be moved to HCC, which has been the primary supplier of prospective students for UH in the Katy area. It also plans to focus on energy-related fields first, and in the fall will become the second facility in the nation to offer graduate courses in subsea engineering. The UH central campus was the first.

"We chose Katy because of the proximity to the energy corridor, and the high-volume of engineering and energy-related growth in Katy and west Houston," Schott said.

The UH Cinco Ranch campus is at 4242 S. Mason Road, and the HCC-Northwest Katy campus is at 1550 Foxlake Drive.