Lone Star College–University Park future teachers alliance awarded $180,000 to build teacher workforce

HOUSTON, TX -- The Lions and Gators Future Teachers Alliance has been awarded 15 scholarships totaling $180,000 to support future educators beginning Fall 2025. The scholarships will benefit students enrolled in teacher pathway programs at Lone Star College–University Park (LSC–University Park), Klein ISD, and the University of Houston–Downtown (UHD) DAIR to Teach program.

LSC–University Park was recently selected to receive the Houston Teachers Pathway scholarship through the Charles Butt Foundation’s Houston Teacher Pipeline Initiative, in collaboration with the Houston Endowment. This recognition highlights LSC–University Park’s continued leadership in preparing aspiring teachers and its commitment to strengthening the educator workforce across Texas.

Through this expanded partnership, LSC–University Park is building deeper connections with the UHD DAIR to Teach program and Klein ISD’s teacher pathway initiatives, including the dual credit teacher pathway at Klein Collins High School. These collaborations provide new opportunities for students to gain valuable experience, mentorship, and support on their journey to becoming certified educators.

"This partnership is a major step forward in supporting aspiring teachers who reflect the communities they will serve," said Barbi Seals, Ph.D., lead faculty for the Associate of Arts in Teaching program at LSC–University Park. "Through the Texas Pathways and Houston Teachers Pathway programs, we’re able to provide our students with the mentorship, resources, and real-world experiences they need to thrive in the classroom from day one."

The Lions and Gators Future Teachers Alliance, along with the Houston Teachers Pathway scholarship, helps address the growing need for qualified teachers by providing direct financial assistance, mentorship, and high-impact classroom experiences to students pursuing a teaching career.

"We are proud to strengthen our role in the Houston education pipeline," said Dave Gaer, dean of the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences at LSC–University Park. "Supporting students through both scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities ensures they are ready to step confidently into Texas classrooms, where the need for passionate, well-prepared educators has never been greater."

Together, these efforts contribute to a more diverse, well-supported teacher pipeline for the Houston region. The Houston Teacher Pipeline Initiative is part of a broader statewide strategy focused on addressing teacher shortages through evidence-based preparation, field experiences, and scholarship support.

LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education. Classes are offered in a variety of formats—traditional, online, and hybrid—and are available during the day, in the evening, and on weekends to accommodate diverse schedules. For more information about the teaching program at Lone Star College–University Park, visit https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/associate-of-arts-teaching.htm. To enroll in summer and fall classes at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/StartUP, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.

Established in 2012, LSC-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. The college, led by President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert 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 Visual and Performing Arts Building, 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, and iSchool.