Lone Star College System receives highest national honor for international education

HOUSTON, TX -- A national leader in global education, Lone Star College System has earned a 2026 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization from NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Programming and events across all LSCS campuses foster learning about diverse cultures.

“More than 8,300 students participate in courses with global learning outcomes, equipping them with skills essential for career success and transfer to four-year institutions,” said Katharine Caruso, Ph.D., LSCS associate vice chancellor, Honors and International Education. “Students can engage in virtual exchange programs connecting them with peers around the world, and they have access to international studies and language courses, cultural events, and our Global Scholars program right here at home.”

LSCS has a track record for student success in international education, including receiving honors at the 2025 National Model United Nations Conference and having multiple students selected for the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad. The college system is also a consistent top producer of Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship semifinalists, most of whom share a common thread of internationalized experience.

“This award demonstrates Lone Star College System’s commitment to providing all 97,221 students, including nearly 3,500 international students from 100 countries, with high-quality, affordable education,” said Mario K. Castillo, J.D., LSCS chancellor.

LSCS is among five institutions nationwide to receive the Comprehensive Internationalization award, which celebrates excellence in integrating international education throughout all facets of the college system. Three additional schools received the Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award, which highlights a particular international education program or service.

“We are pleased to honor the achievements of eight institutions that have distinguished themselves as standard-bearers in the practice of internationalization,” said Fanta Aw, Ph.D., NAFSA executive director and CEO. “Amid a rapidly changing higher education landscape, their demonstrated excellence and innovation in preparing students for a globalized society and workplace provide the field with welcome inspiration.”

This annual recognition, from the largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange, honors the late Illinois Sen. Paul Simon, a champion of international education. Awardees will be honored at NAFSA’s 2026 Annual Conference & Expo this spring.

Visit LoneStar.edu/IE to learn more about international education offerings at Lone Star College System.

Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2025 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, six centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.