Young readers invited to explore books and build skills at Lone Star College–University Park’s 2025 Lion Summer Reading Program

HOUSTON, TX -- Local students will dive into reading this June at Lone Star College–University Park (LSC-University Park), as the campus hosts its annual Lions Summer Reading Program. Running weekdays from June 2 to 13, the free two-week initiative is designed to strengthen literacy skills and help close the summer reading gap for children entering grades 1-5.

The program, created by LSC-University Park education faculty member Jessica Mercado, pairs aspiring educators from the college’s Teachers 2B club with elementary students for daily reading sessions, interactive learning games, and creative activities that foster comprehension, confidence, and a love of books.

“This experience gives our future educators the opportunity to inspire a love of reading while developing their own teaching skills in a real-world setting,” said Mercado, who also advises the Teachers 2B Club. “It’s powerful to see how much both the children and our students grow over just two weeks.”

Now in its fourth year, the Lion Summer Reading Program not only provides hands-on teaching experience to college students preparing for careers in education but also plays a critical role in addressing summer learning loss, particularly in reading.

“The reading program is a meaningful example of how we connect classroom learning with community impact,” said David Gaer, Dean of Instruction for Behavioral and Social Sciences. “Our students leave with stronger teaching skills and a better understanding of how they can shape young minds.”

Sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in LSC–University Park’s Energy & Manufacturing Institute, 11521 Compaq Center West Dr., Houston, TX 77070. Early registration is recommended due to limited space. For more information or to register, visit www.lonestar.edu/lionsreading.

LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education classes. Classes are available during the day, evenings, and weekends in traditional, online, and hybrid formats. For more information about LSC-University Park classes or to register online, visit www.lonestar.edu/upstudentsupport, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.

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, 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.