Acadiana, LA – Acadiana Workforce Solutions has announced a transformative new initiative aimed at addressing healthcare workforce shortages in rural Louisiana. Backed by a $1.5 million grant, the program will provide local residents with the opportunity to pursue careers in healthcare, offering both educational resources and career development support.
The collaboration brings together Acadiana Workforce Solutions, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana State University Eunice (LSUE), and South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc). These institutions were selected for their established relationships and strong presence in rural areas, making them ideal partners for the program.
Keithen Domingue, a representative from Acadiana Workforce Solutions, emphasized the importance of these partnerships. “For us to send participants to LSUE and SLCC, it made sense because they already have partnerships,” he said. “We are actively reaching those rural areas.” The initiative will specifically target communities in Vernon Parish, St. Mary Parish, Lafayette Parish, and several others, with plans to engage local schools and raise awareness about the career opportunities in healthcare.
The program’s core mission is to spark early interest in healthcare careers, particularly among high school students. Acadiana Workforce Solutions will visit schools in eight different parishes over the next three years, aiming to inspire students and make the program accessible to as many people as possible.
“We will do whatever it takes to get people excited about this program,” Domingue stated. “Our goal is to engage with schools and communities and show them the possibilities that healthcare careers can offer.”
Participants in the program will receive a comprehensive package of support, including tuition assistance, career counseling, and other incentives to help them pursue healthcare education. By targeting high school students and offering these resources, Acadiana Workforce Solutions aims to create a pipeline of skilled workers who can help meet the growing healthcare demands of rural Louisiana.
Domingue noted that rural communities often face significant barriers to accessing education and career opportunities, especially in industries like healthcare. The new initiative seeks to overcome these challenges by bringing healthcare career resources directly to residents in underserved areas.
“A lot of times, people in rural areas don’t have access to something like this,” he said. “This will be beneficial not only for their careers but also for their families and communities.”
By addressing both the workforce shortage and the lack of access to career opportunities, this initiative aims to make a lasting impact on the healthcare sector in rural Louisiana, providing local residents with the tools and support they need to build fulfilling careers while strengthening their communities.