Lone Star College Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lone Star College, providing scholarships for LSC students and supporting LSC programs. LSC Foundation impacts students’ lives every day by reducing the financial barriers to obtaining a quality, college education. What began as an initial investment of $20,000 in 1991 has led to helping more than 20,000 students realize their dream of going to college. 

LSC Foundation awarded its first scholarships in October 1993 with nine students selected based on academic merit. The first Scholars Ball (later to become StarGala) took place at the Houston Health and Science Museum in May 1995 and raised $40,000 for student scholarships. 

In 1997, LSC Foundation sponsored its first essay contest which asked students to write about “What Lone Star College Means to Me.” The tradition continues today with the annual Chancellor’s Donor Appreciation Lunch gathering LSC Foundation supporters, LSC administration and students to listen to heartwarming and uplifting stories on students’ journeys.

An anonymous donor contributed $1 million to start the Dr. Linda Stegall Excellence in Education Scholarship in 2008 to honor the former LSC-Kingwood president and her legacy of leadership. In 2011, LSC Foundation received an anonymous donation of just over $1.5 million, its largest single donation. 

Understanding that not all donors are alike, LSC Foundation has developed several ways to support student success. These include endowments which annually award a scholarship in the donor’s name in perpetuity and annual scholarships which award scholarships to students once a year. There are also opportunities to give In-Kind donations such as equipment or supplies, corporate matching gifts, or to become an event sponsor or underwriter. 

The past 32 years has been an exciting time of growth and success for LSC Foundation. To date, the Foundation has awarded $18.6 million in scholarships and $8.5 million in program support and is eternally grateful for the support it receives from the community.