Continuing Education officials at Lone Star College System received word this week that it was awarded a $338,000 grant from the Houston-Galveston Area Council 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Training for Jobs program.
“This is exciting news for our students and our campus communities,” said Ellene Polidore, interim executive director, continuing education.
“The grant, which is $338,036, will be used to expand our HVAC program at LSC-Montgomery, which is in partnership with Seasons Air Conditioning,” Polidore said. “We will also expand our programs in truck driving at LSC-North Harris, which is in partnership with Werner Enterprises.”
Per HGAC guidelines, the project will target dislocated workers, displaced homemakers, and/or individuals with low income seeking short-term training to prepare for or re-enter the workforce.
LSCS will provide tuition, books, fees and tools to students participating in one of these two CE programs – the HVAC certification program and the certificate in truck driving program. Both of these programs lead the student to accomplish an industry-recognized credential and have identified employment opportunities.
At the end of the grant, LSCS will have prepared approximately 60 students to enter a career in truck driving, and approximately 10 students to enter a HVAC services career. These students will complete training with the ability to hold industry-recognized certificates, required tools and the necessary skills to be successful in these specific occupations.
“We believe this project will strengthen the relationship between Lone Star College and Workforce Solutions, as well as with HGAC,” said Polidore. “It will also provide a foundation for Lone Star College to seek additional funding as it becomes available in the future.”
HGAC, the staff for the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, solicits proposals from qualified organizations to operate occupational skills education and training projects for people living in the Upper Texas Gulf Coast region.
The Gulf Coast public workforce system is made up of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board and its operating affiliate, Workforce Solutions, which serves a 13-county region that includes Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller and Wharton counties and the city of Houston.
The board is a volunteer board of directors, led by business and appointed by local chief-elected officials. HGAC is the board’s staff and serves as the home office for the affiliate contractors, providing fiscal and management services.
During the last year, Workforce Solutions served more than 450,000 area businesses and residents with almost $200 million in resources through its Employer Service Division and 28 local Workforce Solutions offices. Workforce Solutions contractors include Arbor E&T; Employment and Training Centers, Inc.; HoustonWorks, USA; Interfaith of the Woodlands; and Neighborhood Centers, Inc.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Center, LSC-University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. With more than 59,000 students in credit classes this fall, LSCS is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and third largest community college system in Texas. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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