Southeastern and Northshore Technical Community College awarded $1.5 million dollar grant from the US Departent of Labor
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University and Northshore Technical Community
College have each received a three-year, $1.5 million federal grant from the U.S.
Department of Labor’s Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities initiative. Southeastern’s
grant is to address the growing shortage of nurses and nurse educators in Louisiana,
including increasing the number of nurses from underrepresented populations, while
NTCC’s grant is to establish new programs in advanced manufacturing, supply chain
and logistics, and industrial safety.
“The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities initiative is an essential element
to strengthening local workforce ecosystems and economic vitality throughout our region,”
said Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Corey Wiggins. “Delta Regional Authority’s
partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor ensures that residents receive industry-driven
skills training for high-demand jobs in their communities, helping to create pathways
to high-quality careers and economic mobility in some of the most persistently impoverished
areas of the United States.”
NTCC and Southeastern represent two of only three higher education institutions
in Louisiana to receive Delta Regional Authority awards totaling a $3 million combined
investment on the Northshore. The parishes to be served by the grant include Ascension,
East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Point Coupee, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington,
West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.
“The strategic partnership between Tangipahoa Economic Development, Southeastern,
and NTCC has been an integral part of the economic growth and prosperity of Tangipahoa
parish over the last several decades,” said Executive Director of Tangipahoa Economic
Development Ginger B. Cangelosi. “With this grant, both institutions will be able
to continue supporting local industry by providing advanced educational opportunities
to our residents that will help build wealth and provide financial stability for our
citizens. In turn, we will all continue to reap the benefits of a relationship that
has vastly improved the economic landscape of Tangipahoa Parish, as well as the entire
Northshore region, and we are pleased to support them in their efforts.”
“Southeastern and NTCC are our closest partners in higher education and workforce
training in our region, and this investment into some of our key industry sectors
on the Northshore—healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and logistics—will strengthen
economic competitiveness, career advancement, and job creation opportunities for the
entire region,” said Chris Masingill, CEO of St. Tammany Corporation, the economic
development organization for St. Tammany. “Workforce development, talent retention,
and talent recruitment are at the top of the list of considerations for businesses
when making investment decisions, and Southeastern and NTCC are both cultivating a
strong pipeline of talent in these important industry sectors for Southeastern Louisiana.”
Southeastern’s Louisiana Education Advancement Program for Nurses will achieve
four goals over the three-year grant period. First, LEAP for Nurses will assist Licensed
Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN) in increasing skills, attaining
good jobs and increasing wages. Second, it will provide access to workforce development
programs for veterans and individuals from historically marginalized and underserved
communities. Third, it will also increase the number of nurse educators prepared at
the graduate level. Last, LEAP for Nurses will promote economic transformation through
increased employment and retention in RN positions within the care economy of the
region served.
LEAP for Nurses will target newly graduated or incumbent nurses (LPNs and RNs)
who are residents of one of the 10 rural DRA parishes. Priority will be given to nurses
who are veterans or eligible spouses of veterans, followed by those from historically
underserved groups adversely affected by persistent poverty, discrimination, or inequality,
including but not limited to, black, indigenous, people of color; LGBTQ+ individuals;
women; and individuals with disabilities.
“We are thrilled to have received this grant, as it will not only help us provide
programs for underserved and marginalized communities, but for veterans as well,”
said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “As an economic driver for our
surrounding communities, Southeastern prioritizes workforce development opportunities
and seeks to provide them whenever possible. We are fortunate to have strong partnerships
with Hood Memorial Hospital, Lakeview Regional Medical Center, Lallie Kemp Medical
Center, North Oaks Health System, and St. Tammany Health System that serve as training
grounds and educational resources for our students.”
As part of Southeastern’s grant, NTCC will receive subawards to provide assistance
with tuition and fees. In return, NTCC will provide an LPN-to-RN (ADN) education program,
promote the program to LPN and RN students, and participate in advisory council and
strategic planning meetings.
NTCC’s grant will help establish new programs in advanced manufacturing, supply
chain and logistics, and industrial safety programs. NTCC Interim Chancellor Jim Carlson
said it will significantly enhance the educational opportunities and workforce training
capabilities at NTCC, ensuring that students are well prepared for the demands of
today’s rapidly evolving job market.
In partnership with Greater New Orleans, Inc. and St. Tammany Corporation, these
new programs will serve as an onramp into high-wage, high-demand careers, he explained.
“This grant represents a significant milestone for NTCC and the local community,”
Carlson said. “It will not only strengthen the college’s educational offerings, but
it will also contribute to the economic development of the region by producing a skilled
workforce that meets the needs of our local industries.”
