The San Jacinto College District serves six member public school districts and a population of more than 360,000 in communities north and south of the Houston Ship Channel, the second largest port in North America. Many of the worlds largest import and export companies, oil and chemical refineries, and manufacturing firms contribute to the college's solid tax base and expanding workforce. The district benefits from the quality of life represented in its small and mid-sized communities, as well as access to the cultural, sports, and recreational facilities of Houston.

As a comprehensive community college, San Jacinto College offers a broad range of academic, technical, customized and non-credit courses. Located in east Harris County, San Jacinto College offers educational opportunities at three full-service campuses and six extension centers. The Central campus, located at the junction of the cities of Pasadena, Deer Park, and La Porte was established in 1961. The North campus serves a population of 171,000 residents in 158 square miles in the North Channel area. The South campus is located in close proximity to NASA and the aerospace industry, the University of Houston-Clear Lake and large medical facilities. In addition, there are extension centers in Clear Lake, Galena Park, Channelview, and Sheldon.

San Jacinto College has emerged as an important partner in the region's healthcare industry. The college prepares qualified professionals, such as LVNs, RNs, surgical technicians, medical radiographers, respiratory care technicians, emergency medical technicians, dietetic technicians, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapist assistants and health information technicians. Johnson Space Center sends astronauts to San Jacinto College for emergency medical training.

The college has unique instructional partnerships with businesses and industries. Among these include General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Continental Airlines, Associated Builders and Contractors, Stewart and Stevenson, Cummins Diesel, and Halliburton. San Jacinto College tests prospective employees for more than 70 area chemical plants and refineries, reducing the "hit or miss" proposition of accepting and reviewing thousands of applications.

San Jacinto College, in partnership with NASA-Johnson Space Center, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Department of Economic Development, College of the Mainland, the University of Houston-Clear Lake, local independent school districts and the Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation, provides specialized training to a consortium of aerospace companies.

San Jacinto College is a respected partner with other area colleges and universities, advancing the cause and quality of higher education for all citizens. The University Connection is a collaborative program with the University of Houston and other colleges & universities that allow students to take junior and senior level courses and selected programs at the San Jacinto College North Campus

San Jacinto College works closely with neighboring school districts to build "seamless" career paths from school to college through Tech Prep initiatives. The college has nearly 100 state-approved Tech Prep programs and nearly 400 articulation agreements with 13 area school districts. The college has developed dual credit courses with several area high schools which allow students to receive both high school and college credit upon completion.