Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) is thrilled to announce the launch of the third annual Lions Reading Program, a dynamic initiative designed to combat the 'summer reading gap' and support aspiring educators. This program offers elementary students a chance to enhance their reading skills while providing hands-on teaching experience for students pursuing careers in education.
Created by Jessica Mercado, an LSC-University Park faculty member and former Klein ISD third grade reading teacher, the Lions Reading Program aims to mitigate summer learning loss in elementary-aged children and strengthen the skills of future teachers.
Open to children in grades K-6, the program provides an engaging and supportive environment where participants can engage in interactive reading activities and develop valuable strategies for the upcoming academic year. Research highlights the significant benefits of early exposure to literature in closing learning gaps and building a foundation for continued academic success.
The Lions Reading Program will run every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon, starting on June 4 and concluding on June 26. Sessions will take place at LSC-University Park, 20515 TX 249, Houston, TX 77070, in building 13, room 611.
LSC-University Park's Teachers 2B club, comprising pre-service teachers, will play a crucial role in the program. Supervised by certified teachers, these future educators will work closely with the students, fostering an environment conducive to learning. This initiative also serves as an essential experiential learning platform for Teachers 2B, allowing them to apply their educational theories in a practical setting.
"Through the Lions Reading Program, we aim to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience for the children while equipping them with essential reading strategies for their academic journey," said Barbara Seals, Ph.D., associate professor of Education and faculty adviser for the Teachers 2B club at LSC-University Park. "We are excited to continue this program, which unites the dedication of our pre-service teachers with the needs of our local community."
Registration for the Lions Reading Program is free and now open, with a maximum capacity of 100 students. Parents or guardians interested in registering their children can do so at https://tinyurl.com/Lion-Reading-SignUP. Early registration is encouraged, as spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
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 Virginia M. Fraire, Ph.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 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, iSchool, and YMCA Children's Academy. For information on taking classes at LSC-University Park, visit, LoneStar.edu/StartUP, call 281.290.2600 or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu. Academic advisers are available to assist students with questions about course selection, degree plans or the registration process.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC 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 LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.