Latest news with #Sowela
American Press
29-05-2025
- Business
- American Press
Sowela shatters its summer enrollment record
(Special to the American Press) Special to the American Press Sowela Technical Community College's enrollment reached record-breaking numbers during the 2025 summer term, which started this week, with a 28.45 percent year-over-year increase. The college's Aviation Maintenance program saw the highest growth in registrations at 200 percent, followed by Business Administration at 74.71 percent and Culinary Arts at 63.16 percent. 'The continued enrollment growth further substantiates the critical and key role the institution plays in workforce development,' said Chancellor Neil Aspinwall. 'Sowela is a key player in supplying a highly skilled and qualified workforce for the business and industry in the Southwest Louisiana region. Although originally established as a trade school 87 years ago, Sowela has grown into a comprehensive community college whose mission is not only workforce development but also transfer, which aids in enrollment growth.' Aspinwall said since the college is accredited by SACSCOC, students who have earned their two-year degree or numerous course credits can transfer that degree or those course credits to a four-year college and subsequently earn their bachelor's degree. Sowela consistently has more than 500 students each year who utilize the transfer option and continue onto a four-year college or university, he said. He also attributes the enrollment increase to a student-first focus, strong student support services and no increase in tuition or fees for the past nine years. Sowela summer enrollment will continue to grow as individuals register for short-term workforce training, such as Commercial Driver's License, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and Certified Nurse Assistant training. The College is also experiencing growth in the number of summer credit hours taken, with a 26 percent increase from this same time last year. Registration is open for fall 2025, which starts Monday, Aug. 11. Visit for a complete list of available programs and to register. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify.
American Press
06-05-2025
- Business
- American Press
SW La. high school student graduating twice
Alli Richard Richard completed high school and Sowela Technical Community College courses through the Virtual Instruction Program, a dual enrollment option for Calcasieu Parish students. (Special to the American Press) Special to the American Press Alli Richard will walk across two graduation stages this spring as she earned both her diploma from DeQuincy High School and an associate of general studies from Sowela Technical Community College. 'It was a lot of hard work,' Richard said. 'With finals and final projects in the midst of other senior responsibilities.' Those responsibilities include senior class president, numerous clubs, tutoring and volunteer work. She will also graduate at the top of her class. Richard completed high school and Sowela courses through the Virtual Instruction Program, a dual enrollment option for Calcasieu Parish students. VIP provides live instruction from one central location to all 11 high schools in the district. Richard chose VIP because she didn't want to leave her high school to take college classes. 'I didn't want to miss out on the high school experience,' she said. 'VIP also boosted my GPA because the classes are on a 5-point scale, which enabled me to qualify for the highest level of TOPS.' She advises someone considering this opportunity: 'Don't take on too much from the start. My teachers were so helpful. VIP really does a great job of bridging the gap between high school and college and they help you manage it.' After graduation, Richard plans to pursue a law degree. Thanks to her dual enrollment courses, she will have completed two of six years of her program, fast-tracking her to the workforce. Richard and 374 of her fellow Sowela classmates are eligible to receive degrees. Sowela will host its 61st commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Lake Charles Event Center. Phillips 66 Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex General Manager Scot Tyler will give the commencement address. Sowela's graduation ceremony is open to the public.
