Coker receives TSUS Polk County Center Foundation Scholarship

5/4/2026

Lamar Institute of Technology Emergency Medical Technician student Brayden Coker has been awarded the Polk County Center (PCC) Foundation Scholarship, supported by the Polk County Higher Education and Technology Foundation. Coker is enrolled in the program housed at the Texas State University System Polk County Center in Livingston, TX.

Coker 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.

“When I found out I was awarded the TSUS PCC Scholarship, I was truly overjoyed,” he said. “Receiving the award has brought me feelings of both validation and immense gratitude.”

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.

“My peers, teachers and mentors have shown me that combining skill with honesty and compassion can truly help people,” Coker said. “Through these experiences, I've learned to see challenges as chances to grow and to stay calm when it matters most.”

The TSUS Polk County Center Foundation Scholarship 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.”

Coker said the investment will support him as he prepares to attend college in the fall and continue pursuing a career in medicine.
“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 TSUS Polk County Center visit pcc.tsus.edu.