Lone Star College-University Park student joins SXSW EDU panel to discuss postsecondary pathways for Gen Z

HOUSTON, TX -- Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) student Tonia Bloomingberg participated in a panel discussion on postsecondary education options at the 2023 South by Southwest Education Conference (SXSW EDU) this past week in Austin, TX.

Many Gen Z students are shifting their mindset on education and career paths after high school graduation. Bloomingberg was one of three students invited to be a panelist in ECMC Group's 'Question the Quo' campaign to give students a voice in their future. The panel discussion helped bring attendees awareness and a greater understanding of non-traditional education paths.

'Attending SXSW EDU provided a great opportunity to network with professional developers and education thought leaders,” said Bloomingberg. 'Being invited to be a panelist for the 'Question the Quo' discussion from the community college perspective was a thrilling first experience.'

Bloomingberg is in her second semester at LSC-University Park. The 19-year-old is pursuing an associate degree in data analytics and plans to enter the workforce as a data analyst.

'Lone Star College-University Park provided me a sense of community as a student which made the decision-making process about my future less daunting,” said Bloomingberg. 'The campus offers excellent resources, academics, and advising services that prepare students for the workforce.'

Students at LSC-University Park can choose from a variety of credit, workforce, continuing education, and other options to help meet their academic or career goals.

'We are proud to have one of our students participate in the thought-provoking panel discussion,' said Dr. Seelpa Keshvala, executive vice chancellor of Lone Star College and acting president of Lone Star College-University Park. 'LSC-University Park is known for its culture of innovation. We strive to be a leader in education and employability for our students.'

The SXSW EDU panel discussion was moderated by Laura Telander Graf, the Senior Director of PR & Thought Leadership at ECMC Group, along with content creator and founder of Declassified Media, Justin Nguyen, who helped organize the panel and added his perspective to the conversation. Other panelists included culinary student and food content creator Alessandra Ciuffo and Missouri City high school student Jayden Nguyen.

Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. The college is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s competent and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.

Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard's world headquarters, LSC-University Park's facilities include the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, iSchool, and YMCA Children's Academy. For information on taking classes at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/StartUP, call 281.290.2600 or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu. Academic advisers are available to assist students with questions about course selection, degree plans or the registration process.

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