HOUSTON (April 17, 2026) - Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) in partnership with Klein Independent School District (Klein ISD) and the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), has officially established the Lions & Gators Future Teacher Alliance, creating a clear pathway for students to become certified teachers in the region.
The three institutions formalized the alliance with a memorandum of understanding signing and ribbon-cutting ceremony held April 7 at UHD’s College of Public Service. The event marked the official start of a coordinated effort to guide students from high school through college and into the classroom.
“This alliance demonstrates what is possible when educational institutions unite around student success and regional workforce needs,” said Rigoberto “Rigo” J. Rincones Gómez, Ph.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs, Lone Star College System. “Together, we are building a seamless pathway that prepares future educators, expands opportunity for students, and strengthens the teacher pipeline our communities need.”
The Lions & Gators Future Teacher Alliance connects students beginning in Klein ISD through dual credit programs, continuing at LSC-University Park with aligned coursework and support, and transferring to UHD to complete a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification.
Designed to remove barriers, the pathway provides a seamless transition between institutions, allowing students to progress with clarity and confidence at each stage.
The initiative is supported by a $180,000 investment from the Charles Butt Foundation, through Houston Endowment, funding scholarships that make participation possible at little to no cost for students. Twelve students have received scholarships, and the first cohort is preparing to transfer to UHD this fall.
“This program has given me the opportunity to stay focused on becoming a teacher and the support to follow through on that goal,” said Hayley Riapolov, an LSC-University Park student and scholarship recipient preparing to transfer to UHD in fall 2026. “It has eased the financial burden and given me the encouragement to keep working toward a career where I can support and guide future generations.”
Leaders from all three partner institutions addressed the attendees at the ceremony including Klein ISD Superintendent Jenny McGown, Ph.D., LSC–University Park President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., and Deborah Bordelon, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at UHD, along with partners from the Charles Butt Foundation.
The alliance will strengthen the region’s educator pipeline by expanding access and supporting students through every stage of their journey, preparing graduates to enter local classrooms and meet ongoing workforce needs.
About Lone Star College-University Park
LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education classes. Classes are available during the day, evenings, and weekends in traditional, online, and hybrid formats. For more information about LSC-University Park classes 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, led by President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., 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, and iSchool.
About Lone Star College
Lone Star College System (LSCS) 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 2025 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.