TOMBALL (Oct. 1, 2026) – About a dozen Lone Star College students from six campuses took part in a hands-on, high-impact learning experience through the Lone Star College Civic Engagement and Service-Learning program at the Texas Tribune Festival (TribFest) in Austin, TX, September 24-26.
The learning experience gave students real-world social engagement with state- and national-level decision-makers and influencers while building durable skills that will enhance their educational and future professional experiences.
"Before going, I probably would not have gone out of my way to attend an event centered around politics, policy, and different ideas,” said LSC student Henry Majano. “Now I am much more open to it. I heard people I agreed with, people I disagreed with, and people working in industries I am interested in. I came back realizing that being in those spaces, listening to different perspectives, asking questions, and meeting people can help me figure out what I actually want my future to look like."
At the festival, students connected with peers from other universities across Texas at student-centered events and took advantage of opportunities to build networks with professionals in their areas of study.
By asking questions, students participated in panels and one-on-one sessions and connected with individual leaders afterward to inquire further about topics of interest. The opportunity to be in the spaces where "decision-makers" were gave students a new sense of belonging and agency.
"I found myself suddenly immersed in an open dialogue that I had a part in modeling,” said LSC student Stormy Coggins. “I spoke to authors, scholars, and leaders, and I connected my studies to what the individuals specialize in. These interactions gave me confidence in my own knowledge and showed me that I don't need to be afraid of not knowing enough."
LSC student Kael Baeir struck up a conversation with a fellow festival attendee about his educational journey and festival experience. The attendee later revealed himself to be John Forde, Ireland's Consul General.
Students were accompanied to TribFest by LSC-Tomball Government Professor and LSC Civic Engagement and Service-Learning Coordinator Cory Colby, along with LSC faculty and staff representing LSC-University Park, LSC-CyFair, and LSC-North Harris.
“Our students gained real-life valuable skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and networking,” said Colby. “It was so rewarding to be with these students as they stepped out of their normal space and were present as their minds opened to the possibilities of their own futures and the impact they can achieve.”
Lone Star College-Tomball is located at 30555 Tomball Parkway in Tomball between Zion Road and Baker Road. For more information about the college, call 281.351.3300 or visit LoneStar.edu/Tomball.
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 2025 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, six centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence, and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
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