HOUSTON (July 15, 2026) – With hundreds of degree and certification programs, flexible scheduling, and resources to help students from all walks of life thrive, Lone Star College System helps individuals get from where they are to where they want to be. The fall 2026 semester kicks off this August.

“What brought me to Lone Star College System is how financially friendly it is,” said Fernando Romero, LSC-Montgomery student. “It’s close to home and allowed me to truly find where I want to go, get a feel for being in a college class and build my resume before I transfer to a four-year university.”

Before attending LSC-Montgomery, Romero believed he would miss out on experiences if he didn’t go straight to a four-year school after graduating high school. Today, he says choosing LSCS was one of the best decisions he has made. His experience as a first-generation college student brought quality instruction, lasting friendships, professional connections and scholarship support. Romero plans to pursue both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree beyond LSCS and hopes to start his own business one day.

“I came to the realization that Lone Star College is more of an opening gateway where you can find out who you are and what career you want to pursue,” Romero said. “I’ve found a close group of friends here and gotten involved in clubs, organizations and sports. Lone Star College was a stepping stone to help me get where I need to be.”

LSCS provides dual-credit pathways, transfer credits, workforce certifications, associate degrees, five bachelor’s degree programs, and continuing education opportunities. As of this spring, the college system serves more than 97,000 students.

HOUSTON (July 13, 2026) – Lone Star College System is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Leadership High School (LHS) program, a tuition-free experience that equips public high school sophomores and juniors with the skills, experiences and connections needed to succeed in school, college and future careers.

Since its inception, Leadership High School has graduated more than 2,000 students representing 11 independent school districts throughout the LSCS service area.

Through interactive workshops, real-world learning experiences, and meaningful engagement with business and community leaders, students strengthen their communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while exploring career opportunities and expanding their professional networks.

"Leadership begins long before someone earns a title," said Kay Fitzsimons, LSCS executive director, Leadership and Economic Development. "This program encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, discover their strengths and recognize the influence they can have on the people and communities around them."

The program begins with an orientation in October, followed by monthly experiential learning sessions featuring leadership simulations, team challenges, career exploration activities and conversations with community and industry professionals. Students apply what they learn through collaborative projects while gaining practical insight into civic engagement, workforce readiness and community leadership.

"Our goal is for every student to leave the program with greater confidence in themselves and a deeper understanding of how collaboration, service and integrity can shape both their future and the future of their communities," Fitzsimons said.

Program highlights include:

• Interactive leadership experiences
• Career exploration and college readiness
• Team-building and collaborative problem solving
• Community service and civic engagement
• Networking with business and community leaders

Applications are being accepted through Sept. 17, and participation is completely free. Eligible students must attend a public high school within the LSCS service area. Students and parents are encouraged to learn more and apply at LoneStar.edu/Leadership-HighSchool.

HOUSTON (July 8, 2026) – New grant funding administered by the Texas Workforce Investment Council is increasing access to welding technology education at Lone Star College System.

LSC-Houston North has received a $188,000 grant to cover the first year of the Bridging Talent to Industry: Welding Career Pathways and Student Success project, which will ensure high-quality welding training, credential attainment and job placement.

“The Texas Talent Connection grant is designed to eliminate financial barriers while equipping students with industry-recognized credentials, hands-on experience and career preparation that leads directly to employment in one of Texas' high-demand workforce sectors,” said John Maynard, Ed.D., LSC-Houston North vice president, Instruction. “This grant creates a direct pathway from training to employment by fully funding student participation, providing experiential learning opportunities and connecting graduates with regional employers. At the same time, it helps address the growing demand for skilled welders, strengthens the local workforce and supports the economies of our communities.”

From August 2026 through May 2027, 30 eligible students can pursue high-demand welding certificates without financial barriers. The grant will cover all student costs, including tuition, textbooks, welding tools and equipment.

Participants will also gain valuable hands-on experience through a paid 10-hour internship in the welding lab, as well as guidance on resume development, interview preparation, and employer engagement. The program will wrap up with a career fair connecting graduates with local employers.

To be eligible, students must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. and meet applicable U.S. Selective Service requirements.

LSC-Houston North was one of 27 entities across the state to receive a Texas Talent Connection grant this year, supporting initiatives that lead to successful job placements, increased wages and improved job retention.

“The Texas economy soars to new heights because of the hard work and dedication of our young and skilled workforce,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a recent press release. “These grants will allow more Texans to acquire the skills they need to succeed in high-demand careers. As we train our future workforce, Texas will remain the economic engine of the country."

To learn more about welding technology at LSCS, visit LoneStar.edu/Programs-Of-Student/Welding-Technology-AAS.

HOUSTON (July 6, 2026) – David Vogt has served on the Lone Star College System Board of Trustees longer than any other individual in the college system’s history.

Since he was first appointed to the board in January 1997, Vogt has witnessed four new campuses launch, six satellite centers open and eight Workforce Centers of Excellence bring high-quality training closer to home for thousands of local students.

“The college has grown tremendously, along with the whole metropolitan area,” Vogt said. “When I first started my firm in 1983, FM 1960 was a two-lane road.”

Vogt Engineering has helped bring notable Montgomery County landmarks to life, such as The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Hughes Landing and Fellowship of The Woodlands, among other projects. Vogt’s professional background includes over 40 years of experience in civil engineering, site design, environmental risk assessment, water distribution and supply, stormwater drainage, floodplain determination, and coordination of utility system approvals with local and state agencies.

Vogt has been actively involved in local organizations since the 1980s, including the Rotary Club of The Woodlands, Montgomery County United Way, and The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. When his peers encouraged him to apply for a vacant LSCS board seat, he knew this would be another opportunity to serve his community.

Throughout his time on the board, Vogt has worked with his colleagues to overcome financial difficulties, ensure compliance with state and federal law, recover from natural disasters, tackle a pandemic, and make decisions in the best interest of students, faculty and staff.

“Students come to Lone Star College System for the economic benefits and the broad spectrum of programs we offer,” Vogt said. “They can get the training and teaching needed, and if they’ve got a problem, they can get help—not just with academics, but we’re also meeting financial-based needs.”

Since Vogt joined the board, LSCS has expanded its dual credit program, added bachelor’s degrees, and built out resources to assist students with food, clothing, housing, technology, transportation, mental health, employment and other practical needs to ensure their success.

Vogt’s top priorities have been supporting students and staff, responsibly allocating tax and tuition dollars, and choosing the best chancellor to lead the organization.

“We’ve managed to grow enrollment, but it’s not all about the numbers; it’s about making sure students can go where they want to go in life,” he said.

To learn more about the LSCS Board of Trustees, visit LoneStar.edu/Trustees.