There is a first time for everything, and Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) has reached a new milestone — it is now regarded as one of the top workplaces in America. USA Today, a co-sponsor of the fifth annual national workplace survey with Energage, recently announced the news.  

Each year, Top Workplaces USA awards and recognizes midsize and large organizations with at least 150 employees, including those with operations in multiple markets. The 2025 survey included employees from more than 2,200 companies.  

HCDE was listed as one of four local government organizations with 500-999 employees to receive the national honor and the only awardee in the state of Texas within the category.  

“Being recognized as a national Top Workplace is a testament to HCDE’s exceptional culture – one defined by the strong, family-like atmosphere at every level of this organization,” Superintendent James Colbert Jr. said. “This award also reflects our employees’ dedication to innovation, collaboration and excellence in the programs we offer and resources we provide to Harris County students and families.”  

National rankings are determined solely by employee feedback, and companies are chosen based on the results of surveys taken throughout 2024.  

The honor follows HCDE’s local accomplishments as an outstanding workplace. In November 2024, HCDE claimed a spot on the Houston Chronicle’s Top Workplaces list for the fourth time after being named a top company consecutively from 2019-2021.