HOUSTON (Feb. 21, 2017) – Higher education officials, government representatives and professionals employed in workforce development gathered Feb. 17-19 for the 41^stannual Community Colleges for International Development conference.

Lone Star College was the CCID Host Institution for the event, which was held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

“This conference is important because it challenges us to joining resources to encourage global citizenship at community colleges and other institutions of higher learning,” said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC chancellor and CCID board member. “Houston, being one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation, was the perfect setting for this event.”

The conference, entitled “‘Aligning the Stars,” offered workshops on topics such as “Health, Safety, and Risk Management for Study Abroad’”; “Building for the Future: A Comprehensive Model for Establishing an International Programs Office”; and “Partnership between Lone Star College and Qufu Normal University”.

Nearly 250 attendees representing 14 countries and 30 states took part in this year’s conference. International schools represented included Box Hill University and RMIT from Australia, Humber College from Canada, Lillebaelt Acedemy from Denmark, York St. John, Manchester Metropolitan University and Robert Gordon University from the United Kingdom, and Binh Duong University from Vietnam.

“Our diversity is an asset and our strength” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who delivered the Saturday keynote address. “Thank you for contributing to the long-term planning that will help our city’s diversity continue to thrive.”

Lone Star College welcomed 3,025 international students from more than 100 countries in fall 2016. LSC students also participate in study abroad programs in countries like China, Italy and Spain.

“Many people are surprised to learn about all the exciting opportunities two year colleges like Lone Star College have to offer,” said Head.

CCID attendees were also invited to tour LSC-CyFair with Dr. Seelpa Keshvala, LSC-CyFair president, and get an overview of Lone Star College international programs.

CCID is a global network of community, technical, and vocational institutions dedicated to creating globally engaged learning environments. Members engage within the network to improve practices, participate in learning communities, and collaborate to advance global opportunities at the college level.

Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 95,000 students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of $3.1 billion. LSC consists of six colleges, eight centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.