New Orleans, La. -- Today, Governor John Bel Edwards announced three academic and workforce development facility projects.  The announcements occurred during a press event at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans (LSU Health New Orleans).  The facility projects are for two colleges in the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) and include partnerships with the Algiers Development District and LSU Health New Orleans.

"Louisiana has one of the best community and technical college systems in the nation, and these projects are not only proof of that but represent the commitment we have to providing educational programs and services to help develop a strong and qualified workforce," said Gov. Edwards. "As a result of the collaborative efforts that have made these projects possible, thousands of students will have new opportunities to improve their lives and communities and industries will benefit from a continuously developing and skilled labor pool. "          

"Our community and technical colleges provide valuable post-secondary opportunities for our students", said Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter-Reed. "Today's announcement, and the partnerships that have made them possible, will enhance career and technical training and ultimately the talent developed to fuel our economy.  We are excited about these collaborative efforts and look forward to the benefits that lie ahead for our students and our state."

The projects are the SOWELA Technical Community College Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality building in Lake Charles; the Delgado Community College Advanced Technology Building on the Westbank Campus; and the Delgado Community College Allied Health, Nursing and Culinary Arts Building in the trending New Orleans Medical District.

"Today's announcement signifies that higher education and policy makers are working together to ensure that we provide the citizens of Louisiana access to critically important training opportunities," said LCTCS President Monty Sullivan.  "Our economy's greatest asset is a skilled workforce, and facilities like these are a means by which we will generate more graduates and more qualified workers providing them with a competitive advantage on day one."   

These facility projects are the result of ACT 360 passed by the Louisiana Legislature during the 2013 Legislative Session to modernize and expand academic and workforce development facilities at technical and community colleges.  Since its passage, 11 ACT 360 projects are complete and providing services to students.

"Our collaboration with Delgado Community College continues to strengthen, contributing to the health of our people and the biosciences economy while carrying forward a proud history of health education," said Larry Hollier, MD, Chancellor of LSU Health New Orleans.

Also participating in the announcement was New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell; LSU Board of Supervisors Chairman James Williams; LCTCS Board of Supervisors Chairman Stephen Toups; LSU President F. King Alexander; LCTCS President Monty Sullivan; LSUHSC Chancellor Larry Hollier; and Delgado Chancellor Joan Davis.

Project Details:

SOWELA Technical Community College Project Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality Building

• Thirty-five thousand square foot facility will focus on the training and workforce needs of the gaming and hospitality industry in Southwest Louisiana.

• The facility will help produce the workforce needed by providing training programs/services focusing on the following areas Accounting, Business Management, Computer Networking, Surveillance operations, Hospitality & Restaurant Operations, Customer/Guest Services, Front & Back Office Systems, Culinary - baking, banquet, and Dealers School - Blackjack, Roulette, etc.

Delgado Community College Advanced Technology Building, Westbank Campus

• Delgado and the Algiers Development District have entered into a historic partnership that will provide the space to build a 35,000 square foot Advanced Technology Building.

• This facility will have the capacity to provide instruction for 2,000 students.

• With a focus on production, engineering, and maintenance, the Advanced Technology Building will be a workforce pipeline for the industrial needs of the west bank community.

Delgado Community College Project Allied Health, Nursing and Culinary Arts Building

• Louisiana Community and Technical College System and the Louisiana State University through its respective Board of Supervisors have entered into an agreement of intent to authorize the use of the current LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine building on Tulane Avenue.

• The use of the LSU Health New Orleans Building will consolidate all 28 existing Delgado allied health programs, serving 6,000 students, into a single facility with state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories.

• The building will also support Delgado's culinary arts and hospitality management programs, which serve more than 1,200 students.

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