Lone Star College System is a student-focused teaching institution that constantly finds ways to enrich students’ lives. Thus, the college had its own Lone Star College Day at the Texas Capitol on Feb. 27 to provide students with a high-impact, real-world learning experience. LSC students met directly with state legislators and their staff while watching the 89th Texas State Legislature in action.
“The Lone Star College Day at the Texas Capitol provided students with live, hands-on experiences to interact with elected leaders and express their needs and priorities to help shape the state’s future,” said Cory Colby, LSC-Tomball political science professor. “Additionally, we represented the college system to our legislators who continuously support the college and work on important matters related to higher education.”
Lone Star College transported 119 students and 16 faculty and staff members to Austin. At the state capitol, students personally met with the elected officials who represent their communities, maximizing the visit for both parties and showing students that they have real value in the political process. In all, students visited with 20 members of the Texas House and Senate, including the legislative staff and senators of the Senate Public Education Committee chaired by Senator Brandon Creighton.
"Traveling to the state capitol and witnessing the legislative process first-hand reinforced my belief in the importance of civic engagement,” said Erick Lima, Lone Star College student. “This trip has profoundly strengthened my belief that I have the power to participate in and influence social, political and community issues.”
During Lone Star College Day, participants visited the legislative chambers and were recognized by Representative Cecil Bell as he read an honorary resolution on the House floor. LSC ended the day with a visit from Dan Huberty, former House representative and public education committee chair, who shared insight into the legislative session and the importance of constituents like LSC students and employees, showing up and communicating with legislators.
“Lone Star College Day showed me that the senators and representatives are real people who care about their constituents and want what is best for them,” said Ivana Vilchez Montilla, Lone Star College student. “After this trip, I have decided to try to get into the world of politics after I finish my degree in political science.”
Lone Star College System leads the state and the nation as the largest community college in Texas and one of the largest nationwide. The college system offers more than 200 academic and workforce programs and four bachelor’s degrees. Learn more at LoneStar.edu/Programs-Of-Study.
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS 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 LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
