Brayden Coker, an emergency medical technician student at Lamar Institute of Technology, has been awarded a scholarship through the Polk County Higher Education & Technology Foundation which was funded by a generous contribution from a local family who wishes to remain anonymous.
Coker is enrolled in the program housed at the Texas State University System Polk County Center in Livingston. He ultimately hopes to practice medicine as a cardiothoracic surgeon and views emergency medical services as a foundation for his future.
“Earning my EMT-Basic certification is about more than just beginning a career,” Coker said. “It helps me reach my goal of solving real problems and making a real difference for people when they need it most.”
When he learned he had been selected for the scholarship, Coker said he felt both relief and appreciation.
The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training, preparing students to respond effectively in emergency situations. Coker said the experience has helped him develop skills essential to patient care, including critical thinking, technical proficiency and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Coker has also gained exposure to clinical environments by shadowing surgical teams at Houston Methodist in The Woodlands and completing clinical rotations at HCA Conroe Regional Hospital.
The Polk County Higher Education and Technology Foundation will help offset the cost of tuition and required equipment.
“By covering the cost of my tuition and supplies, this scholarship will allow me to focus entirely on my studies,” Coker said. “As someone balancing high school with nightly classes at LIT, receiving this support has been especially helpful.
“I am deeply grateful to the donors for their generosity and support of my education. Thanks to the selfless contributors who made this possible, I am one step closer to entering the workforce as a certified healthcare professional,” he said. “I am honored to be a recipient and am committed to making the most of this opportunity.”
To learn more about the LIT EMT-Basic program housed at the Texas State University System Polk County Center visit pcc.tsus.edu.
The Texas State University System Polk County Center in Livingston serves as a shared educational site, expanding access to college courses, workforce certifications, associate degrees, and continuing education opportunities. Through partnerships with Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College Orange, and Lamar State College Port Arthur, students can pursue a variety of academic and career pathways close to home.
The Polk County Higher Education & Technology Foundation scholarship reflects the remarkable commitment of the community to expanding educational opportunities for area students.
