The Rotary Club program on Tuesdqy was presented by Rotarian Dan Poret. He invited Colisse Dupont, the Executive Director of Enrollment Services at SLCC. The strategic plan for SLCC is to boost enrollment by developing plans to increase the programs being offered, particularly outside of Lafayette. Since COVID, application numbers have doubled in Ville Platte, and overall enrollment has increased by 3%.
SLCC is now offering Agricultural Science. They offer an on-line program in Education and Oil and Gas Production. Business Office Technology has been added, and they have added Virtual Programs. Tuition has not increased, and SLCC is now offering assistance for students who need laptops. There is a food pantry to help with food insecurity needs.
Other programs being offered include Welding, Criminal Justice, Practical Nursing, Business, Adult Education and an excellent Dual Enrollment program. The Advisory Boards have been revitalized.
SLCC is working on a Medical Assistant Program and an Advanced Manufacturing Program that should be available in 2025-2026. They are offering Engineering packages within the General Studies program.
When determining the educational packages to be developed, they look at the industries in the communities and determine what skills are needed to fill those industry jobs with the goal of educating the youth to keep them here living and working in this community. In conjunction with the State Mission, SLCC has a goal of completing 46,000 students by 2030.
Other Rotary News: • Larry Lachney spoke about the College Championship Football pool. This game is scheduled for January 8th, and there will be 2 scholarships in the amount of $1250 each awarded from the proceeds. • The next meeting will be on January 9th, and the program will be presented by Ronnie Landreneau • The Azalea Project for Chicot Park is planned for January 23rd or 24th or both, depending on whether the project is completed. The plan is to plant 150 azaleas. The Interact Club at Sacred Heart will be involved, and students from Reimagine Academy have also been invited.