Industry partners bolster workforce training programs at Lone Star College System

HOUSTON, TX -- Industry partners not only hire Lone Star College System students, but they also play a crucial role in supporting them with opportunities to advance their skills while they’re still in school.

Over the past five years, Johnson Controls has awarded $500,000 in grant funding through Lone Star College Foundation to strengthen the college system’s HVAC-R and Electrical Technology programs.

"Because of this investment, many of our students receive scholarship funding to cover tuition and tools while also participating in the mentorship program with Johnson Controls employees,” said Cruz Casiano, Ed.D., LSC-North Harris director, Career and Applied Technologies. “They are motivated and confident because they see Johnson Controls cares and invests in them, which helps with retention and completion.”

With nearly 250 scholarships awarded in addition to lunch and learns, job fairs and mentorships, students and faculty feel the impact. Scholarship recipients have an average 3.4 GPA, and 163 recipients have earned an associate degree since the program began in 2021.

“When I came back to school, I really didn’t have a concept of what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to learn the trade and maybe become a handyman somewhere,” said Joccarri Hamilton, LSC-North Harris student. “But through my conversations with my mentor, I learned he has a job that I didn’t even know existed—a job that feels like something that would bring out the best in me. Being in a program that allows you to see what you can become is so impactful and opens up the realm of possibilities.”

“Everything we do is to help set our students up for success,” said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, LSCS associate vice chancellor, Foundation Advancement. “We are grateful that Johnson Controls is committed to that same goal, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come.”

Elected officials who visited LSC-North Harris on Feb. 24 noted how instrumental partnerships like these can be in empowering their communities. When students have access to affordable education and collaborative partners provide additional support, students can pursue careers that will improve their quality of life.

“Lone Star College System is training students to be prepared for tomorrow’s jobs,” said State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston. “Students have the ability to improve their skills and stay abreast of what’s happening in the field so that they don’t get left behind.”

LSCS leaders meet with an advisory council twice a year to hear what industry partners are looking for in potential employees and how campuses can better prepare students for those positions. Lucas Motycka, Johnson Controls general manager for the Houston area, said the demand for manpower and skilled trades expertise has never been higher.

“Lone Star College System is made up of individuals who are working to make a better life for themselves and for their families,” Motycka said. “There is an impact to be made on every single person that walks through the door. Johnson Controls is honored to be a part of that.”

Learn more about these programs at LoneStar.edu/Programs-Of-Study.