2024 Noncredit Exemplary Award Winner

2024 Credit Exemplary Award Winner
Lone Star College-North Harris, TX
LSC Electrical Technology Program

Lone Star College-North Harris’ Electrical Technology Program (ETP) is revolutionizing workforce development by aligning with industry demands and expanding globally to meet emerging energy infrastructure needs. The program creates a comprehensive college-to-career connection experience through an embedded Learn and Earn. Guided by input from local and national employers, the program ensures positive outcomes for all stakeholders: learners, workers, their families, communities, businesses, and the economy. Industry partners also utilize the electrical labs for employee training, supporting ongoing upskilling and integrating the program into the fabric of the local economy.

Established in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey, ETP addresses labor shortages and disaster recovery needs. Unlike traditional programs, ETP trains Electrical Technology Technicians, equipping students with skills in industrial controls, PLC technology, generator technologies, transformer maintenance, electrical drafting, and building automation. These skilled technicians are essential for installing new alternative energy systems and integrating them into existing power grids. In addition to updating aging infrastructure, the technicians help to install new electronic systems in automotive, aviation, and highway systems. Students earn commercial and residential certificates, associate of applied science, and can pursue Lone Star College’s (LSC) bachelor’s degree in energy, manufacturing, and trades management, opening further career advancement opportunities.

The program has shown remarkable growth and impact since its inception. Starting with a modest cohort of just 10 students, it expanded to 148 in 2020, and 283 per semester by June 2024. Thanks to philanthropic contributions and grants, the college is able to offer free education and training. Students are supported holistically by embedded workforce and career advisors and academic tutoring. Through the LSC CARES for Completion initiative, students have access to food pantries, clothing closets, digital and educational resources, childcare, and mental health resources. As a result, the program boasts a 98% completion rate, underscoring its comprehensive approach and the program’s effectiveness at boosting credential completion.

As severe storms increasingly affect the region and its power grid, ETP graduates continue to play a vital role in disaster response and recovery and reinforces the program’s impact on both industry and community resilience. The program continues to grow and distinguish itself, internationalizing electrical courses and incorporating a new groundbreaking international studies credential. The program is not simply training technicians; but shaping the future of electrical technology professionals who will impact everything electrical, everywhere.