Groundbreaking ceremony held for East Aldine Early College High School, Lone Star College East Aldine Center

On December 15, Aldine ISD and Lone Star College held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new East Aldine Lone Star College Center, which will include a new East Aldine Early College High School. The facility will open in the fall of 2018.

This will be Aldine ISD’s second Early College High School and it will be located on Aldine Mail Route. It will have a capacity for 450 students. The East Aldine Early College High School will resemble Victory Early College High School, located on the west side of the district. The wing that will house the East Aldine Early College High School will be built with funds from the $798 million bond referendum passed in November 2015. The school will allow students to earn a high school diploma and up to 60 college credit hours or an associate’s degree. The school will provide dual credit at no cost to students; offer rigorous instruction and accelerated courses; provide academic and social support services to help students succeed; increase college readiness and reduce barriers to college access.

Richard Cantu, deputy executive director of the East Aldine District, served as MC for the groundbreaking event, held at Aldine ISD’s Child Nutrition Services building.

Speakers for the event included U.S. Congressman Gene Green, State Rep. Armando Walle, Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg, Lone Star College Chancellor Dr. Stephen Head, East Aldine District Executive Director David Hawes, Lone Star College-North Harris Board Chair Dr. Alton Smith and Lone Star College-North Harris President Dr. Gerald F. Napoles.

Aldine ISD Trustees Dr. Viola M. Garcia, Rose Avalos and Rick Ogden also attended the event.

Congressman Green said he was proud Aldine students on the east side of the district will have the opportunity to earn college credits while receiving a high school diploma at the same time.

“Today is a special day,” he said. “I want to thank Aldine and Lone Star College for what you are doing on the East side. This is a great opportunity for our community.”

Rep. Walle echoed Congressman Green’s sentiments.

“This is a great day for all of our partners,” Walle said. “I am honored to represent this community.”
Dr. Bamberg said she appreciated the partnerships that were formed to make the East Aldine Early College High School become a reality.

“I’m excited because this is a milestone for us,” she said. “We are looking forward to being a part of this wonderful center. I’m grateful to all the people in this room who made this happen. This is a fine example of what can be done with partners work together. We are embarking on a new partnership with new friends (Neighborhood Centers) and old friends. (Lone Star College and East Aldine District).”

The Lone Star College-East Aldine Center will be LSC-North Harris’ third satellite center. Like its sister satellite campuses, the center will be a comprehensive educational campus that will provide a mix of academic college transfer courses as well as workforce training programs in high-demand fields such as healthcare and construction trades including electrical, HVAC and welding.

The East Aldine Town Center is intended to reflect the needs and character of the East Aldine Community. It will serve as an economic catalyst designed to enhance the skill sets and business opportunities of area residents and to introduce a new paradigm in local commercial development.