The Society of Information Management Houston Chapter (SIM Houston) continues its substantial financial and resource commitment to Lone Star College-University Park to help enrich academics and promote student access. SIM Houston is supporting students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields in achieving their academic and professional goals through a $20,000 donation and a $100,000 pledge to the college over the next four years.

Since 1968, SIM has inspired the minds of the most prestigious information technology (IT) leaders in the industry. Regarded as the premier network for IT leadership, SIM is a community of thought leaders who share experiences and rich intellectual capital, and explore future IT direction. SIM Houston works to support local STEM programs and encourages students to pursue careers in technology professions through funding, outreach and scholarships.

“SIM Houston is the leading professional organization that supports innovation through education,” said Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Park president. “This donation will support LSC-University Park’s mission to bring new, relevant program offerings to students and the community while helping to prepare them for the workforce. The partnership with SIM Houston is one we have enjoyed for several years. We use their method of combining scholarship and mentorship as a model for other donors.”

LSC-University Park received the SIM Houston donation of $20,000 in June 2019 to help develop a Data Visualization Theatre to support the fields of data visualization and analysis. SIM Houston contributed in honor of Dr. Ardalan and his commitment to expanding the program. Last week, at its Fifth Annual SIM Houston Charity Sporting Clays Classic, SIM Houston committed an additional $100,000 to help LSC-University Park gain access to more learning resources. This additional $100,000 will go toward helping students learn about STEM fields.

“The SIM Houston Board of Directors approved this commitment for the Data Visualization Theatre for LSC-University Park because of the work the college is doing to lead with the innovative application of IT in its curriculum,” said SIM Houston Vice President of Marketing Cliff Dowden. “The partners we selected have built long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. This aligns perfectly with our mission and vision for SIM Houston.” 

LSC-University Park and SIM Houston have joined together in creating opportunities for students since their partnership began. SIM Houston previously contributed donations totaling $37,000. SIM Houston members also serve on LSC-University Park advisory committees. The organization continues to support the community and help students pursue their dreams by promoting innovation in the classroom.

SIM Houston board members have been generous in both financial contributions and by sharing their industry expertise and knowledge with the college. The SIM Houston Mentorship Scholarship is another impactful program for students interested in STEM fields. Through the scholarship, STEM and IT professionals mentor LSC-University Park students, imparting firsthand knowledge and preparing these future IT professionals to enter the job market.

Stephanie Davis, a first-generation college student and work-study employee at LSC-University Park, is currently in the mentorship program while studying network and computer system administration.

Davis said the scholarship has played a big part in her life and helped her through hardships. Davis revealed that shortly before accepting the scholarship, her father died. The loss was a blow to Davis since this wasn’t her first time losing a parent. In 2013, Davis lost her mother to cancer. Without her family, Davis said the scholarship eased her financial burden, while the mentorship helped her to start a career.

“The scholarship had a positive impact on me,” Davis said. “It helped me financially, especially because I have been entirely self-supported since my parents passed. I’ve met lawyers that have helped me with legal proceedings I had to deal with after my father died. Receiving the scholarship has truly been a miracle and a blessing. Thank you, SIM Houston.”

The network and computer system administrator Associate of Applied Science degree is one of the seventy degrees and certificates offered at LSC-University Park. The program provides an engaging, hands-on experience that gives students a practical understanding of the latest technology and a competitive edge in today’s IT job market. Upon completion, students have the skills they need to enter the workforce and be successful in several local and global industries. Students who have graduated from the program have pursued careers as computer network technicians, network analysts and IT managers. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the median income for these jobs is $82,595.

LSC-University Park welcomes the community to experience the college for themselves. Enrollment is underway and classes start throughout the year. Visit LoneStar.edu/UP for more information and to join the LSC-University Park family. To learn more about SIM Houston and what they do for the community, visit SIMHouston.org.