In Southeast Texas, a powerful initiative is shaping the future of the region’s workforce: the Golden Triangle Polymers Scholarship at Lamar State College Orange. Designed to eliminate financial barriers and support technical education, this scholarship provides students with full coverage of tuition, books, and fees for any two-year Industrial Systems degree. It’s more than just aid—it’s a long-term investment in the workforce that powers our local industries.
Let’s meet the 2025 recipients of the Golden Triangle Polymers Scholarship.
Meet Madison Lulow
Madison Lulow is a pre-engineering student at LSCO. Born and raised in Southeast Texas and a graduate of Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, Madison is working toward an engineering degree with dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer—and possibly working on trains. “This scholarship means I have to work hard for what I want to achieve,” she said. “It helps me save for the future and keeps me focused on my goals.”
Beyond the classroom, Madison works at the campus library and is developing valuable communication and leadership skills. She credits the scholarship for making her education accessible during tough financial times: “Money is rough right now. This scholarship will help me throughout my college years.”
Her long-term goal? Intern with Golden Triangle Polymers and learn everything she can about the field. “I’d be excited to get my hands on real experience,” she said.
Meet Clayton Farwell
Clayton Farwell is a senior at Little-Cypress Mauriceville High School and another recipient of the 2025 Golden Triangle Polymers Scholarship. With a background in varsity sports and dual enrollment at LSCO, Clayton plans to pursue a process technology degree to prepare for a career in the local industrial sector.
Raised in a family of process operators—his father works at Phillips 66 and his grandfather retired from Invista—Clayton sees the scholarship as a steppingstone toward long-term career growth. “It’s a great opportunity,” he says. “This was my only chance, and I’m very thankful. It takes a lot of stress off. I don’t have to worry about affording college.”
Clayton is especially passionate about staying local and contributing to Southeast Texas: “It’ll help local kids and local families. Every student going to college could use this kind of support.”
Meet Michael Carey
Michael Carey is a senior at Bridge City High School and our third recipient of the 2025 Golden Triangle Polymers Scholarship. With four years of high school band under his belt, Michael plans to pursue a pre-engineering degree at LSCO before going on to get an engineering degree from Lamar University.
He’s known since freshman year that engineering was going to be his future career. Alongside his friends, he has dedicated the past four years to getting the knowledge and habits he’ll need for this next chapter. “My friends have really been so supportive throughout this process,” he says. “We’ve been through so much in high school, and they’ve watched me pursue this goal. When I got this scholarship, they were so happy for me.”
When asking Michael how he would describe his feelings going into college, he was eager to talk about how excited he is – both to start something new, and also to have time to work. “I have a part time job now, and thanks to this scholarship, I can save that money to put towards my future.”