(WACO) – Evan Hebert is pure Waco.
He was born in the city and is an alumnus of Midway High School and Baylor University.
And in his role as coordinator of Prosper Waco’s CampusTown Waco, one of his jobs is bringing the populations of Texas State Technical College, Baylor University, McLennan Community College and MCC’s University Center together with Waco’s employers, cultural events and restaurants to gather and connect.
Hebert can usually be found working in a booth at Pinewood Roasters on Austin Avenue, but he also has an office at Baylor and periodically visits TSTC, MCC and local businesses.
“I’m hoping to connect students and businesses closely,” Hebert said. “I want to get students plugged into Waco. This is the good work that CampusTown Waco can do.”
Hebert is still planning what he wants to see achieved by the initiative in 2018.
“No matter what campus you are on, you have many of the same challenges – demanding scholastic schedules, financial stresses of college and the social pressures that come with new peer groups, career plans and, in many cases, living on your own for the first time,” said TSTC Provost Adam Hutchison. “CampusTown Waco connects students with opportunities to enjoy our wonderful city. It’s a great way to connect with Waco, and a good way to build relationships and grow personally while going to college.”
Hebert provided flyers to new TSTC students at summer orientations and fall semester move-in last year detailing activities in Waco to stir their interests. And, TSTC students were invited to last December’s I Love Waco Day, which featured downtown businesses providing special deals and activities for students to take advantage of to relieve the stress of final exams.
“I think it’s very important to know your community and engage,” said Michelle Rachels, director of student life and engagement at TSTC. “Waco has a lot to offer and there is plenty to do if you go out to look.”
Rachels’ top recommendation for students to discover in Waco is Cameron Park, the lush, hilly oasis on the Brazos River with hike-and-bike trails, scenic lookouts and quiet places to escape the hustle of life.
Some of Hebert’s work also involves connecting students to available internships, apprenticeships and jobs in Waco. He said having these work opportunities are critical to keeping students in the city at least a few years after graduation to start their careers.
More than 79 percent of Waco’s residents had at least a high school degree as of July 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. More than 58 percent of Waco’s residents make up the civilian labor force at more than 8,500 businesses in the city, according to the census bureau.
Hebert uses social media to plug CampusTown Waco’s social and work opportunities.
Prosper Waco began CampusTown Waco in early 2016 and has support from the city of Waco and the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.
For more on CampusTown Waco, go to prosperwaco.org/the-work/.
For more on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.
