Monday, February 15, 2021 | Volume 3 Issue 2 |
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Greetings, Community Partners –
I hope each of you are having a productive new year. This is a special time for Lone Star College-Houston North for we are preparing for our first commencement scheduled for this May.
Our top goal, from the very beginning, has been to have a 3-year graduation rate of 25% by 2025. To place this goal into perspective, please view the screenshot below from the Texas Higher Education Almanac (see highlighted note under Graduation Rates) that shows the averages for all Texas community colleges. For full-time students, the average graduation rate is 24.9%. Our goal is to reach 25% for ALL students–including our large part-time population.
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We feel confident that we will reach this mark due to the incredible grit shown by our students as well as our strategic efforts to increase completion. Specific steps taken are noted below.
- We have or are in the process of upgrading our facilities so students can take all courses within their degrees at our locations. An example is the addition of our chemistry labs.
- We have added several high demand programs. Over the past year, we have brought on nine new programs and expanded two others to full associate degrees. We are now currently offering 21 degrees and/or certificates at our locations.
- We have added several key positions that allows us to move beyond just getting students to our locations, but also retaining and supporting them through completion. An example of a position unique to LSC-Houston North is our Director of Institutional Effectiveness that oversees many of retention efforts including our call center, mentoring initiative, and early alert program.
- We have also taken a very strategic approach to scheduling for student completion. I am excited about a new accessibility-through-scheduling effort that we will announce in an upcoming newsletter.
Due to these steps we believe we will reach our graduation rate goals.
As you prepare for the remainder of your month, please note these additional announcements.
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Lone Star College was recently recognized for an enrollment increase this spring. This is an incredible accomplishment for our system when noting that community college enrollment in Texas decreased by 7% and across the country by 9%. I am proud that LSC-Houston North had a small role in this system-wide increase for we added over 700 new students this spring in comparison to the spring of 2020. See the news story below about LSC’s enrollment. |
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'People are looking to re-skill and up-skill'
Lone Star's enrollment rose by 1%. It may not sound like a lot but enrollment in Texas community colleges fell 7.1% from the fall of 2019 to the fall of 2020. HOUSTON - The collection of campuses that make up Lone Star College serves more than...
Read more
www.khou.com
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Tax Preparation Assistance |
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We are very pleased to be able to continue our partnership with Beyond Careers to offer free tax preparation services. This program is specifically for individuals that earn up to $57,000.
This partnership is specifically developed to support the parents of high school seniors at Aldine ISD, however, we will not turn anyone away. Visit bit.ly/hntax for more information.
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February 20, 27 and March 6, 27
Saturdays 10 a.m.—2 p.m.
Lone Star College-Houston North Victory location
4141 Victory Drive, Houston, TX 77088
Benefits
- Free tax preparation if earned less than $57,000 last tax year
- Avoid paying the high costs of commercial tax preparation, saving $250 or more in tax preparation fees
- Information about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC),
- Child Tax Credit (CTC),
- Financial Education Asset Building (FEAB)
- No Schedule “E”
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We now have our food distribution schedule. Special thanks to the Aldine-Greenspoint YMCA and Houston Food Bank for extending this service at our HN-Greenspoint location through the end of June. |
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Lone Star College-Houston North will continue hosting The YMCA and The Houston Food Bank at our HN-Greenspoint location. If you or your family could benefit from fresh food, please join us and spread the word!
Distribution will begin at 11 a.m. on the following dates: February 25, March 11 and 25, April 8 and 22, May 13 and 22, June 10 and 24.
LSC-Houston North Greenspoint is located at
250 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E. Houston, TX 77060
Please see a map below on flow of traffic, and we hope to see you there! Available while supplies last!
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Harris County Housing Survey |
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I currently sit on the Harris County Housing Advisory Committee. We were appointed by the Commissioner’s Court to develop recommendations for affordable housing and real estate improvements in the area. The first step in developing recommendations is conducting a thorough, triangulated study of the area.
The Kinder Institute for Urban Research has been commissioned to do this work. The committee has been seeking participation in a survey (as part of the study) in each area of the county. Now, the push is in our service areas. Therefore, we are doing everything we can to get participation from our community residents.
Please help us get the word out to Harris County residents in our service area. Also, if you live in Harris County, please consider taking the survey. This study will help us make policy and legislative recommendations.
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Second Eight Week Classes begin March 24 |
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One of the great things about our 8-week course structure is that students can still enroll this spring. Please follow us on social media for we have several upcoming informational sessions for those that may be interested in learning more about LSC-Houston North programs and/or enrolling in March classes.
I wish each of you the best. As always, thank you for being supportive community partners.
Sincerely,
Quentin Wright, Ed.D.
President, Lone Star College-Houston North
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Teacher Preparation Virtual Information Session
This session is for anyone who is interested in becoming an elementary or middle school teacher. This program is designed for people who do not already have a Bachelor’s degree!
Date: Thursday, February 25
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: This event will be held virtually via WebEx. Those who complete the interest form will receive the meeting details by Monday, February 22.
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Panther Prowl Session
During this information session, participants will learn about LSC-Houston North and the academic and workforce programs offered across our four locations. Participants will also learn about classes they can take during our 2nd 8 week session, which begins on March 24!
Date: Sunday, February 28
Time: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Location: LSC-Houston North Fallbrook location.
Due to social distancing, we will be limiting the number of attendees for each session; however, we will have virtual events at the same times for those who cannot attend in person.
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Academy for Lifelong Learning (50+)
The Academy for Lifelong Learning is a membership community that offers free and low-cost classes, events and activities for adults age 50 and older.
Annual memberships at $25 (includes all Lone Star College campuses). No educational prerequisites. Membership fees are non-refundable.
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Panther Pact • Student Emergency Fund |
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This assistance has played a significant part in the increased retention at our locations.
If you are interested in donating, please visit our foundation page at LoneStar.edu/giving and take the following steps:
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Click “Donate” at the top of the page.
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Click “Donate Now” at the top of the next page.
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Choose the option “Give to College Programs”
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From the drop-down menu, select “LSC-Houston North Presidential Support Fund (Panther Pact)”
100% of all donations are given directly to students.
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Learn English • Aprende Inglés |
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Do you know anyone who wants to learn English? |
The LSC-Houston North ESOL program at our Fairbanks location provides an introduction to the language and culture of the English-speaking world, preparing students to successfully speak and write English for college or work. We offer courses in reading, writing, oral communication, and grammar.
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Start new or advance your career with us! Workforce programs offer buildable certifications leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree. 16-week certificates available! |
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Lone Star College-Houston North • Wraparound Services |
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Eliminating Food Insecurities
With the right structure and adequate support, our students are capable of succeeding academically and professionally.
For this reason, we have Community Assistance Resource for Everyone (C.A.R.E.) Centers that are located at all LSC-Houston North locations.
The CARE Center is open to any currently enrolled LSC-Houston North student and provides CARE bags and CARE packages that include food, toiletries, and other essentials.
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Mentor Program \\ Student Testimony
“The Mentor was doing check-ins and following up with me weekly. He was very resourceful and provided instructions for any type of assistance. I was happy that I received textbook assistance and passed my class. Without the textbook, I will not have been successful.“
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Did You Know?
At LSC-Houston North we put students first. Each first time in college student receives a faculty mentor to help guide them through their first year of college. Research indicates that effective mentoring is one of the most powerful relationships for influencing human behavior.
Sometimes, all a student need is someone to lend a caring ear. Just being able to speak to someone and share troubles, feelings, emotions and fears has a way of making these issues seem smaller. Our mentors are in place to provide guidance for our students and steer them in the right direction.
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Lone Star College-Houston North • Community Spotlight |
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We love to hear about what is going on in our community.
Do you have any upcoming events, partnerships, internships, volunteer opportunities, or inspiring stories you would like to share with us or our students?
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We encourage our community members to follow us and tag us in any activities we may share with students.
Visit us on our various social media platforms.
You can find us by searching @LSCHoustonNorth
or clicking the direct links below.
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Lone Star College-Houston North |
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