Lone Star College-University Park unveils its new UP Care Center, a comprehensive resource dedicated to meeting students' essential needs. Recognizing that college can be challenging enough, this center represents an expanded commitment to and focus on total student well-being.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new center, held on Aug. 23, welcomed distinguished guests, including representatives from the Houston Food Bank and the American Heart Association and students, faculty, staff, and colleagues from across the Lone Star College System.
"Our vision is to develop a thriving community at Lone Star College-University Park where students, faculty, and staff have access to the resources necessary to succeed," said Dominique Brown-Prevot, UP Care Center manager and interim director of Student Development.
Nearly 3 in 5 college students nationwide face some form of basic needs insecurity, according to a 2021 study by The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice. The new UP Care Center builds on the college's existing efforts, such as Leo's Shelf food pantry and its partnership with Communities in Schools (CIS), by offering new and enhanced services.
A key enhancement is incorporating a commercial refrigerator and freezer, allowing students to access healthy food choices, including eggs, milk and fresh produce. Besides food, the UP Care Center will also provide baby supplies, a lactation room, clothing, emergency assistance, informational resources, school supplies and more. It is a one-stop shop for students, faculty, and staff facing challenges.
"By addressing these fundamental needs, we aim to cultivate a supportive environment that enables students to thrive and focus on achieving their educational goals," said LSC-University Park Interim President Matthew Dempsey, MS, Ed.D.
The center's creation has been collaborative, with special acknowledgment to the Student Government Association (SGA) for its dedication and partnership. The SGA's initiative in pursuing and securing a grant from the American Heart Association was instrumental in funding key enhancements, including the addition of nutritious food options, to support fellow students.
The UP Care Center has also partnered with the Houston Food Bank's "Food for Change" scholarship program. The program helps provide students with up to 60 pounds of nutritious food, including fresh produce, per distribution and up to 120 pounds of food per month.
For more information or to make donations to the UP Care Center, visit www.LoneStar.edu/UPCare or call 281-290-1821.
LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education classes. Classes can be taken during the day, evenings, and weekends in traditional, online, and hybrid formats. For more information 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 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.
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.