After working hard to complete certificate or degree programs at Lone Star College System, some students need a little extra support to enter the workforce or advance in their careers.

Lift High Foundation (LHF) was created when a Society of St. Vincent de Paul volunteer worked with clients who needed work boots to get a job in construction or couldn’t afford test fees that would help them secure a job.

“It always bothered me that these things could stop individuals from reaching their next step in life after they spent all that time and energy up to that point,” said the founding board member. “This sparked an idea to start an organization that could help lift people up and out of the circumstances they were in.”

The family-run foundation supports LSCS students by paying for board exams and certification fees, as well as personal equipment, for students graduating from workforce programs such as automotive technology, emergency medical services, nursing and physical therapy.

LHF covered national credentialing exam fees for the 2025 graduates of the Medical Radiologic Technology (MRT) AAS degree program at LSC-Montgomery. All 22 graduates passed the exam on the first attempt.

Many people are motivated to work but don’t have the means to afford what it takes to start work. LHF strives to break down barriers by providing financial support for end-of-semester expenses that might prevent someone from entering the workforce.

“Our students work hard to complete their coursework and are excited to move forward in the workforce, but they don’t always have the funds to cover those final steps,” said Miranda Hadamik, LSC Foundation Board chair. “Lone Star College Foundation’s partnership with Lift High Foundation helps us live out our mission of helping individuals get to where they want to be.”

LHF is primarily based in the Houston area and has supported hundreds of LSCS students since late 2020. The organization has also expanded into the Midland, Austin and Dallas regions as the foundation grows.

Visit LoneStar.edu/Giving for more information about supporting students on their educational journeys.