2016 LSCPA Report to the Community 1 | Page 12

Second Chance Pell Grant Program offers chance to thrive after incarceration Lamar State College Port Arthur was selected as one of 68 institutions of higher education from across the U.S. to take part in the Second Chance Pell Grant program. On Jan. 14, 2016 TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar (center) presented a $215,240 Dual Credit Program check to representatives from Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) and Port Arthur ISD (PAISD). Pictured from left: LSCPA Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gary Stretcher, LSCPA President Dr. Betty Reynard, Chairman Alcantar, PAISD Superintendent Dr. Mark Porterie and LSCPA Dean for Workforce Training and Continuing Education Dr. Ben Stafford. Workforce Commission provides $215,240 training grant In January 2016, Port Arthur Independent School District partnered with Lamar State College Port Arthur to offer Career and Technical Education programming to junior and senior high school students using a $215,240 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. cians in the refining, petrochemical, power generation, oil and gas production and food industries. Students will be eligible for industry-recognized credentials such as Level I Certificate for Process Technology. This grant supports dual-credit curriculum development focused on occupational areas of process technology which will prepare students to become process techni- Individuals seeking more information about the Skills Development Fund may visit the TWC website at www.texasworkforce.org/skills. A Collaborative efforts involved various partners including Motiva Enterprises, BASF Total Petrochemicals and Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas. Workforce Training, Continuing Education at work in SE Texas Here are some of the programs currently being offered by the office of Workforce Training & Continuing Education at LSCPA. This dual-credit grant is an expansion of the Skills Development Fund to support certain joint-credit courses offered by school districts in partnership with public junior colleges, public state colleges or public technical institutions. Online Classes by Ed2Go Commercial Drivers License Dental Hygiene Training Austin Dental Hygiene Training Bay Area Dental Hygiene Training College Station Dental Hygiene Training Midland Dental Hygiene Training North Houston Fork Lift / Man Lift Class Intermediate Welding Certificate Live Sound Workshop I Live Sound Workshop II Live Sound Workshop III Microsoft Excel 2013 Qualified Rigger Signal Person QuickBooks Basics Teaching Unprepared Students Current Topics In Title VI And Title IX True Growth Model Leadership Training The Second Chance Pell Grant program allows incarcerated individuals to apply for federal aid to help complete college and university certificates and degrees. LSCPA works with students housed in the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont and the Stiles Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The college serves about 1,400 students at those facilities and is now one of just 6 two-year schools participating in the Second Chance Pell Grant program. “The evidence is clear. Promoting the education and job training for incarcerated individuals makes communities safer by reducing recidivism and saves taxpayer dollars by lowering the direct and collateral costs of incarceration,” said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. Seahawks featured in national magazine Chase Rutledge, a member of the Seahawks basketball team, lifted a young boy so he could reach the rim and “slam dunk” a ball during the team’s YMCA Basketball Camp in Port Arthur this past season. The chance encounter was captured in a photograph which was published on the cover of the nationally-published NJCAA Review. The Review is a monthly publication of the National Junior College Athletics Association which features “Champions for the Community” each year where editors spotlight community service by junior college athletes across the country. WORKFORCE TRAINING & CONTINUING EDUCATION College records 94 percent placement rate Graduates of Lamar State College Port Arthur are a direct reflection of the superior level of education that students receive and the school’s reputation opens the door to both higher education and employment opportunities. The most recent statistics show a 94 percent placement rate among graduates. With a degree or certificate from Lamar State College Port Arthur, 9 out of 10 graduates either continue their education at a fouryear university or follow a path to career fulfillment. “As a two-year institution, our focus is to provide students the opportunity to pursue a career or to complete a four-year degree after graduation from LSCPA,” said Dr. Gary Stretcher, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We are proud to provide our area industries, and beyond, this caliber of talent and expertise.” Scan here for a full list of our programs! 2015-2016 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY | PAGE 17 13