LSCO Celebrates First Graduating Class of FAME Program
May 14, 2025
ORANGE, TX – Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is proud to celebrate the first graduating class of the Golden Triangle Chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program. On Friday, May 16, students in this inaugural cohort will receive their Associate of Applied Science in Electromechanical Technology, marking a major milestone in the college’s partnership with area manufacturers to prepare a new generation of highly skilled workers.
The FAME program, established locally in 2022, is a collaboration between LSCO and leading industry partners in Southeast Texas, including companies such as Cloeren Inc., United Rentals, ISS/Buna Electric Motor Service and Chevron Phillips Chemical among others. Through the FAME model, students gain valuable hands-on experience by alternating between classroom instruction at LSCO and paid, on-site training with a sponsoring employer. Over five semesters, students develop both the technical and professional skills needed to thrive in modern manufacturing environments.
“This program is the definition of workforce innovation,” said LSCO President Dr. Thomas Johnson. “FAME students graduate not only with a college degree but with real-world experience and no student debt. This is exactly the kind of partnership our region needs to fill critical roles in industry and provide life-changing opportunities for students.”
The Golden Triangle Chapter is part of the national FAME USA network originally founded by Toyota and now supported by The Manufacturing Institute. Students accepted into the program go through a competitive selection process and commit to an intensive schedule of coursework and work-based learning.
As these trailblazing students cross the stage on May 16, they not only celebrate personal achievement but also pave the way for future cohorts to follow. Many of the graduates already have full-time employment offers from their sponsoring companies, demonstrating the program’s success in connecting education with in-demand careers.
LSCO remains committed to expanding high-impact workforce programs like FAME to support regional economic development and provide accessible, affordable pathways to career success.