The 12 institutions that make up the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) are instrumental in transforming the state's workforce and economy. By providing innovative programs that remove barriers for adult learners, LCTCS is helping thousands of Louisianans gain skills, secure stable jobs, and build better lives for themselves and their families.
Currently, approximately 58% of Louisiana's population is actively engaged in the workforce. However, thousands of adults who wish to work face significant challenges, including limited transportation, childcare access, and educational attainment. For many of these individuals, pursuing a traditional four-year college degree is not feasible. This is where LCTCS steps in, offering affordable and practical pathways for education and workforce training that meet Louisiana's most pressing economic needs.
"Our programs are designed to adapt and reflect the unique circumstances and aspirations of our students," said Dr. Chandler LeBoeuf, LCTCS vice president of education and executive director of the LCTCS Foundation. "From high school equivalency initiatives and short-term workforce training to associate degree pathways and transfer opportunities, we are steadfast in our commitment to delivering education that empowers students to achieve meaningful and transformative career outcomes."
Each year, LCTCS serves approximately 30,000 adult education students who are seeking high school equivalency (HiSET) preparation and testing, adult literacy programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, civics education, family literacy programs, and workforce training. However, there remains an estimated 500,000 Louisiana adults without a high school diploma, a critical barrier to employment and additional education. To close this gap, LCTCS offers tuition-free programs supported by federal funding, but only limited state resources.
"A high school diploma is a critical first step toward unlocking economic opportunity," said Dr. Kristine Strickland, chancellor of Fletcher Technical Community College. "By meeting learners where they are -- often starting with foundational literacy skills -- we equip them to progress toward their goals, and with additional resources, we could scale these efforts to reach even more of the half-million residents who need this life-changing support."
Short-term workforce training programs are another critical offering at LCTCS. These programs, which can often be completed in as little as eight weeks, prepare students for immediate employment in high-wage, high-demand career fields.
"These short-term workforce training programs are vital to addressing Louisiana's labor needs and supporting economic growth," said Dr. Neil Aspinwall, chancellor of SOWELA Technical Community College. "However, the majority of these programs do not qualify for federal aid. We're collaborating with industry partners and community organizations across the state to help students overcome financial barriers, especially in fields experiencing critical workforce shortages."
For example, lineworkers and commercial truck drivers are in high demand. A combined lineworker and CDL certification costs approximately $14,000, while a stand-alone truck driving certification costs about $5,500. For many prospective students, those costs are prohibitive without financial assistance, despite the strong job market awaiting program graduates.
LCTCS is making substantial progress toward its ambitious goal of helping students earn 50,000 industry-based credentials annually by 2030. This year alone, LCTCS celebrated its largest graduating class, with 35,000 individuals earning degrees and credentials, including:
21,000 earning certificates, diplomas, or degrees,13,000 short-term workforce training credentials and industry-based certifications, andMore than 1,000 adult education programs completers earning industry-based certifications.
These numbers underscore LCTCS's pivotal role in supplying the state with the skilled workers it needs to thrive in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and energy.
"Our mission is to create opportunities for people to contribute to Louisiana's economy and provide better lives for their families," said Dr. LeBoeuf. "The progress we've made is encouraging, and the vision is clear. With additional investment and support, we can expand our impact and play an even greater role in shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for Louisiana."
Louisiana's Community and Technical Colleges
The Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) includes Baton Rouge Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Delgado Community College, Louisiana Delta Community College, Fletcher Technical Community College, Northshore Technical Community College, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, Nunez Community College, River Parishes Community College, South Louisiana Community College, and SOWELA Technical Community College.