From School to University: UHD, Lone Star College, and Aldine ISD Launch a New Academic Path for Local Families

May 2025

Building Pathways That Begin in High School

A new chapter in local education began on April 29, when the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), Lone Star College (LSC), and Aldine ISD officially signed an agreement to support high school students in reaching their college goals.This partnership creates a clear path for Aldine ISD students to:

• Begin college-level studies while in high school,
• Earn their associate degree from LSC,
• Continue toward a bachelor’s degree at UHD.

The program, called 2+2+2, helps families save time and money while giving students a strong academic foundation. It also includes leadership-building activities and hands-on learning experiences to prepare students for both college and real-world success.

What This Means for Families

Students enrolled in Aldine’s Accelerated College Academy can now take part in this pathway—earning up to two years of college credit by the time they graduate high school. UHD will accept at least 60 credit hours toward a university degree, helping students move forward with confidence and support.This is not just a plan for the future—it’s a promise of real opportunity, supported by the collaboration of three strong educational institutions.

Leadership With Purpose

UHD President Dr. Loren Blanchard described the partnership as “authentic” and emphasized the importance of making long-term commitments that benefit families. He also noted that this agreement has been years in the making—with conversations dating back to 2019.Leaders from all three organizations agreed: while the paperwork is signed, the real work starts now—by walking alongside every student on this journey.

How It Aligns With the UHD Bilingual E-Library

The UHD Bilingual E-Library supports these efforts by encouraging early reading, digital confidence, and family engagement in learning. This new academic pathway is a natural extension of that mission: connecting stories, skills, and opportunities to help students thrive.We’re proud to celebrate this step forward, and we invite our readers—especially parents and teachers in Aldine—to explore how this can benefit their students.

Learn More

Visit bilingualelibrary.org to learn more about our programs and digital resources.