Lone Star College-East Aldine Center welding students will benefit from a new $50,000 grant from Bank of America that will help remove financial barriers for students pursuing hands-on training and careers in the high-demand welding industry.
Bank of America’s funding will cover equipment expenses for approximately 40 students in 2026-2027. On top of tuition, welding students pay more than $1,300 for tools needed in their training program, which can be a challenge for prospective students.
“Receiving the Bank of America grant gave me a real start toward the career I want in welding,” said Alonso Garcia Hernandez, LSC-East Aldine Center student. “Having my own welding kit means I can practice and learn the right way without worrying about borrowing tools or missing out on class. It also took a lot of stress off my family because good welding gear is expensive, and we didn’t have to pay for it ourselves. Your help means I can focus on building my skills, getting certified and working toward a good-paying job in the future. I can’t wait to see what the future brings when I graduate.”
Many students face difficult financial choices, such as whether to pay rent, buy food or purchase equipment needed for class. Bank of America’s partnership is helping remove that obstacle.
“The median household income in the area we serve is significantly lower compared to Harris County as a whole,” said Reyna Tippetts, LSC-East Aldine Center dean. “A career in welding can offer economically distressed families an opportunity to break poverty cycles. This financial support from Bank of America is helping make that possible for many students.”
Entry-level salaries for welders typically start at around $45,000, and experienced welders can earn more than $70,000. However, because the average American welder is 55 years old, the sector is seeing mass retirements each year. According to the American Welding Society, 320,500 new welding professionals will be needed to support several industries across the country by 2029.
“Students shouldn’t have to choose between paying for required equipment and pursuing the training that can lead to a good career,” said Hong Ogle, president of Bank of America Houston. “By helping cover the cost of required welding equipment, we’re removing a financial barrier for students while helping Houston-area employers build the skilled workforce they need.”
LSC-East Aldine Center offers an associate degree in welding, as well as a Shielded Metal Arc Welding Level I Certificate, a Gas Metal Arc Welding Level I Certificate, and a Welding Level II Certificate.
“By removing barriers to welding career pathways, students can earn valuable credentials that ultimately lead to economic stability,” said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, LSCS associate vice chancellor, Foundation Advancement and Donor Engagement. “Investment from our business partners helps us grow these programs to meet workforce demand in our communities.”
Visit LoneStar.edu/Programs-Of-Study to learn more about workforce programs at Lone Star College System.
About Lone Star College Foundation
Lone Star College Foundation impacts students’ lives every day by reducing financial barriers to a quality college education. More than 30,250 students have felt that impact with nearly $33 million awarded in scholarships and $16 million in program support since the Foundation’s inception in 1991. Through tuition scholarships, emergency aid relief or textbook funds, partner with the Foundation today to make your impact on the next generation. Lone Star College System enrolls 100,000 students each semester, providing high-quality academic transfer and career training education and training tomorrow’s workforce today. Visit LoneStar.edu/Giving to learn how you can impact a student’s life.
About Lone Star College System
With 100,000 students and counting, Lone Star College System provides transformational educational opportunities that help individuals get from where they are to where they want to be.
Under Chancellor Mario K. Castillo, J.D., the System’s priorities are guided by its strategic plan, which focuses on financial resilience, academic excellence, talent development and bridges to prosperity. Lone Star College System, recognized as a 2026 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by The Chronicle of Higher Education, has eight main campuses and more than 20 locations in the Houston area. Learn more at LoneStar.edu.
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About Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million clients with approximately 3,500 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 60 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. As the #1 small business lender in the United States (FDIC), Bank of America offers industry leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
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