BATON ROUGE (June 28, 2023) – The Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), and the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), proudly announce the recent awarding of twenty-one (21) scholarships to deserving high school seniors across the state. This marks the fourth consecutive year of the Louisiana Construction Connect scholarship program, funded by the Louisiana Construction Education Foundation (LCEF)
The scholarship opportunity was made available to Jump Start graduates from all regions of Louisiana, offering one-time funding for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year via a $1000 scholarship award. Recipients of the scholarship will have the chance to continue their education at esteemed community and technical colleges within the state, pursuing degrees in fields such as electrical, welding and pipefitting. Through these institutions, selected Jump Start graduates will gain access to comprehensive construction programs designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the industry.
“Louisiana’s evolving economy requires that our colleges redouble our efforts to meet the needs. We are thankful for our partnership with LCEF and LDOE and the opportunities it offers our students,” said Dr. Monty Sullivan, President of LCTCS. “Investing in our people and the future workforce is imperative for continued growth in our state.”
“The significance of these scholarships cannot be overstated, as they provide invaluable support to young people who aspire to pursue lucrative careers in the construction sector,” said Stephanie Marcum, Executive Director of Postsecondary Readiness with the Louisiana Department of Education. “By removing financial barriers, the scholarship empowers these individuals to dedicate themselves to their studies and practical training, ensuring they are fully prepared to enter the workforce.”
This partnership between LCTCS and LDOE, made possible with support from the LCEF, underscores the commitment to fostering education and professional development within the construction industry. By investing in Louisiana’s future workforce, these organizations aim to address the industry’s growing demand for skilled professionals, paving the way for all residents to benefit from continued industrial development across the state.
“Our collaboration with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System and the Louisiana Department of Education enables us to offer this exceptional opportunity to eligible high school seniors across the state,” said Milton Graugnard, Chairman of the Louisiana Construction Education Foundation. “We are excited to be able to support these talented individuals as they embark on their journey to success in the construction industry, helping to meet our growing need for skilled craftspeople.”
Congratulations to the 2023-2024 scholarship recipients:
Name and High School, Hometown
Austin Bordelon, Bunkie Magnet High School, Hessmer, LA
Hunter Boudreaux, Belle Chasse High School, Belle Chasse, LA
Kohl Ducote, Hahnville High School, Boutte, LA
Alekzandr Flores, Airline High School, Bossier City, LA
Emani Galvan, Quitman High School, Jonesboro, LA
Jayden Guillory, Basile High School, Basile, LA
Ja’Shaun Johnson, Atlanta High School, Natchitoches, LA
Alex Michael Jones, Iota High School, Egan, LA
Cooper Lejeune, Midland High School, Mermentau, LA
Evan Louque, East Ascension High School, Gonzalez, LA
Brock Millet, Lutcher High School, Paulina, LA
John Phillips, Atlanta High School, Winnfield, LA
Joshua Pitre, Oberlin High School, Oberlin, LA
Shane Romero, De Ridder High School, DeRidder, LA
Steven Rosemond III, East Ascension High School, Gonzales, LA
Ethan Rusk, Avoyelles High School, Simmesport, LA
Chase Singleton, East Beauregard High School, Sugartown, LA
Brandon Smith, Atlanta High School, Natchitoches, LA
Austin Stone, Haughton High School, Haughton, LA
Jaydn Walker, Merryville High School, Merryville, LA
Madden Ridge Wilson, Fairview High School, Dry Creek, LA
For more information or questions about the scholarship program, please contact Stephanie Marcum, Executive Director of Postsecondary Readiness with the Louisiana Department of Education at stephanie.marcum@la.gov.
