EDUCATION GOALS & OBJECTIVES
GOAL 1 – Enhance Educational Attainment Across the Region
OBJECTIVE
Reduce the percentage of adults with less than a 9th-grade education and increase the percentage of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
ACTION 1.1
Launch literacy and adult education programs in parishes with high rates of low educational attainment, such as Livingston and Iberville.
ACTION 1.2
Increase scholarships and grants for higher education in underserved areas like Washington and St. Helena.
ACTION 1.3
Strengthen dual-enrollment programs for high school students to gain college credits.
GOAL 2 – Expand Access to STEM Education and Training
OBJECTIVE
Increase the percentage of degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields to foster innovation and economic growth.
ACTION 2.1
Develop partnerships between local industries and schools to implement STEM-focused curricula.
ACTION 2.2
Establish new technical training centers with an emphasis on STEM fields in underserved areas.
ACTION 2.3
Host regional STEM fairs and workshops to inspire students.
GOAL 3 – Bridge the Digital Divide in Education
OBJECTIVE
Improve computer and broadband access for households in underserved areas to ensure equitable learning opportunities.
ACTION 3.1
Provide subsidies or incentives for low-income households to purchase computers and broadband subscriptions.
ACTION 3.2
Work with stakeholders to improve the existing housing stock near employment centers through energy efficiency grant opportunities in Low Income/Disadvantaged Communities that may be identified in the Climate Pollution Reduction Plan.
ACTION 3.3
Create digital literacy programs for adults and students in underserved communities.
GOAL 4 – Align Education with Workforce Needs
OBJECTIVE
Ensure that educational programs prepare students for high-demand jobs and support regional economic growth.
ACTION 4.1
Expand vocational training programs in high schools and technical colleges.
ACTION 4.2
Create internship and apprenticeship programs linking students with local businesses.
ACTION 4.3
Conduct annual workforce needs assessments to align educational offerings with market demand.
ACTION 4.4
Promote and expand programs that offer industry-based certifications and short-term training, especially in high-demand fields such as IT, skilled trades, and emerging industries like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Clean Energy.
GOAL 5 – Reduce Poverty Through Educational Access
OBJECTIVE
Lower poverty rates in the region by increasing access to quality education and workforce opportunities.
ACTION 5.1
Target high-poverty areas with scholarship programs and free technical training.
ACTION 5.2
Implement mentorship programs for disadvantaged youth to support academic success.
ACTION 5.3
Develop outreach campaigns to raise awareness about educational resources.
STAKEHOLDERS
Louisiana Department of Education, Local School Boards, K-12 School Systems, Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), Northshore Technical Community College, Four-Year Universities (LSU, Southern University, Southeastern Louisiana University, River Parishes Community College), STEM and Technical Training Centers, Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), Local Governments, Economic Development Agencies, Local Chambers of Commerce, Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), Regional Economic Development Organizations, Private Sector Partners, Non-Profit Organizations (Education-Focused NGOs, Literacy Initiatives), Workforce Development Boards, Louisiana Construction Education Foundation, Federal and State Scholarship Programs, Public Libraries, Local ISPs (for broadband initiatives), Science and Engineering Organizations, Apprenticeship and Vocational Training Programs, Community Colleges, Local Businesses, Research Institutions, and Media Organizations.