Lone Star College Connects Veterans to Education Benefits with On-the-Spot Certification Events
Veterans and military-affiliated students preparing for college this fall will have a faster, simpler path to access their education benefits thanks to Lone Star College System’s (LSC) On-the-Spot Certification events this August. These one-day sessions allow students to have their certification requests reviewed and submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs immediately, speeding eligibility decisions and reducing wait times.
The effort comes at a critical time in Texas, where veterans make up one of the largest student populations in the country. According to the Texas Veterans Commission, more than 79,525 veterans and their dependents in the state currently use VA education benefits—over half of the nation’s 156,530 beneficiaries.
“Transitioning from military to civilian life presents unique challenges for many of our veterans,” said Vickie Johnson, LSC Executive Director of Veteran Services. “Through comprehensive wraparound services, Lone Star College Veteran Services is committed to guiding veterans on a path to success academically, professionally and personally. Our goal is to ensure every veteran has the support and resources needed to thrive in this next chapter of their journey.”
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Why It Matters
Nationally, about 62% of student veterans are first-generation college students, compared to 43% of nonmilitary students, highlighting the importance of tailored support such as career counseling, financial aid assistance, and nonprofit partnerships. Lone Star’s Veteran Services program meets this need through comprehensive advising and academic success initiatives.
Additionally, research shows only about 40% of eligible veterans use their education benefits, according to RAND, even though federal investment is significant—nearly $100 billion was allocated to the Post‑9/11 GI Bill between 2009 and 2019, supporting 2.7 million veterans and family members. Those who do use their benefits see higher graduation rates, with 53% of GI Bill users completing bachelor’s degrees within six years, compared with 36% of non-veteran peers.
Event Schedule and Locations
The On-the-Spot Certification events will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at multiple Lone Star College campuses:
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LSC–Kingwood (Technology Instructional Building, Room 107) | 20000 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339 – August 4
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LSC–Montgomery (Building A, Commons Building, Room 229) | 3200 College Park Drive, Conroe, TX 77384 – August 5
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LSC–University Park (Building 13, Room 210) | 20515 State Highway 249, Houston, TX 77070 – August 6
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LSC–Tomball (South Building, Room 205) | 30555 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX 77375 – August 7
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LSC–CyFair (Technology Building, Room 202) | 9191 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, TX 77433 – August 12
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LSC–North Harris (Digital Technology Building, Room 103) | 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, Houston, TX 77073 – August 13
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LSC–Houston North Victory (Room 102) | 4141 Victory Drive, Houston, TX 77088 – August 14
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Veterans and their dependents are encouraged to complete enrollment, register for classes, submit their certification request, and bring all required documents ahead of time for the smoothest experience. Details and preparation checklists can be found at LoneStar.edu/17915.
Lone Star College System, serving over 90,000 students each semester, is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. It has been recognized as a 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. With eight colleges, multiple centers, and workforce programs, LSC continues to redefine the community college experience and expand opportunities for student success.
For Texas veterans, these August events are more than administrative checkpoints—they are gateways to degrees, careers, and a brighter future built through education. To learn more about LSC Veteran Services, visit LoneStar.edu/Veterans.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.