Lone Star College–University Park joins partners to mark official launch of Future Teacher Alliance

HOUSTON, TX -- Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) in partnership with Klein Independent School District (Klein ISD) and the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), has officially established the Lions & Gators Future Teacher Alliance, creating a clear pathway for students to become certified teachers in the region.

The three institutions formalized the alliance with a memorandum of understanding signing and ribbon-cutting ceremony held April 7 at UHD’s College of Public Service. The event marked the official start of a coordinated effort to guide students from high school through college and into the classroom.

“This alliance demonstrates what is possible when educational institutions unite around student success and regional workforce needs,” said Rigoberto “Rigo” J. Rincones Gómez, Ph.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs, Lone Star College System. “Together, we are building a seamless pathway that prepares future educators, expands opportunity for students, and strengthens the teacher pipeline our communities need.”

The Lions & Gators Future Teacher Alliance connects students beginning in Klein ISD through dual credit programs, continuing at LSC-University Park with aligned coursework and support, and transferring to UHD to complete a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification.

Designed to remove barriers, the pathway provides a seamless transition between institutions, allowing students to progress with clarity and confidence at each stage.

The initiative is supported by a $180,000 investment from the Charles Butt Foundation, through Houston Endowment, funding scholarships that make participation possible at little to no cost for students. Twelve students have received scholarships, and the first cohort is preparing to transfer to UHD this fall.

“This program has given me the opportunity to stay focused on becoming a teacher and the support to follow through on that goal,” said Hayley Riapolov, an LSC-University Park student and scholarship recipient preparing to transfer to UHD in fall 2026. “It has eased the financial burden and given me the encouragement to keep working toward a career where I can support and guide future generations.”

Leaders from all three partner institutions addressed the attendees at the ceremony including Klein ISD Superintendent Jenny McGown, Ph.D., LSC–University Park President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., and Deborah Bordelon, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at UHD, along with partners from the Charles Butt Foundation.

The alliance will strengthen the region’s educator pipeline by expanding access and supporting students through every stage of their journey, preparing graduates to enter local classrooms and meet ongoing workforce needs.

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