Lamar State College-Orange has experienced notable growth this year, both in student numbers and contact hours.  Among the LSC-O Foundation, ComSTEM Program, and Presidential and Womack scholarships, LSC-O has already provided roughly $94,000 worth of scholarships to this fall’s students. 

The primary focus of the Foundation Board, which has been in place for nearly 26 years, is to manage funds and assist with fundraising to provide scholarships to local students to attend Lamar State College-Orange. In 1971, a community group formed to raise funds for the purchase of the building that is now the Education Center, and the group was later incorporated in 1983. Members are chosen whenever there is a vacancy; the Board looks for community leaders who are interested in the growth and development of LSC-O.  In recent years, they have concentrated on raising scholarship funds to support deserving LSC-O students.  Scholarship support is directly tied to the success of Foundation fundraising efforts, with varying amounts each year.  Although some scholarships have criteria established by the donor, most decisions are left to the discretion of College, under which both need and academic history are considered. Due to excellent community support, the Foundation has been able to give $65,000 this year, and more than $60,000 for each of the past three years. 

In addition to scholarship contributions, the Foundation has played a key role in acquiring many of the properties that are now part of the downtown campus.  This group Foundation also acts as a liaison to the broader community.  Because of their community influence, Foundation members are able to spread the word about campus accomplishments and needs.  The community support resulting from these efforts has a positive impact on local elected officials.

The College also distributed 21 scholarships to area high schools totaling $29,000.  Little Cypress-Mauriceville, Vidor, Orangefield, West Orange-Stark, Community Christian, Deweyville, Buna, and Bridge City High Schools each received $2,000 for the LSC-O Presidential scholarships for a total of $16,000.  Another $13,000 in Womack scholarship funds, in honor of Howard Womack, were also given out among various schools in the surrounding communities.

In tandem with LSC-O’s record enrollment, the College’s Com-STEM Program has received 17 scholarship applications for fall 2009.  Although the recipients and amounts have not yet been determined, this semester’s application pool is a semester record for LSC-O’s Com-STEM program.  Com-STEM stands for Community-Based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Initiative.  Program coordinators and biology professors Larry Wilmore and Matthew McClure have worked hard to promote the program to students desiring to enter into these fields.  Com-STEM is funded by the National Science Foundation in conjunction with McNeese State University (MSU).  Eligible student majors include Natural Science (Associate of Science [AS]), Computer Science (AS), Industrial Technology (Associate of Applied Science [AAS]), Process Technology (Certificate), and Medical Laboratory Technology (AAS). 

Tough times do not always have to force people to sacrifice on the important matters in life, especially on something as valuable as education.  LSC-O is continuously growing and strives to assist those who desire to further their education in every way possible.  If you fall into that category, please visit www.lsco.edu or call (409) 882-3364 for more information.  We offer over 35 programs of study that include academic and technical training, with areas ranging from information technology and web design, pharmacy technology and dental assisting, to welding and industrial technology.  Call or click today!