University of Louisiana System announced the launch of Compete LA, a program designed to re-engage the 653,000 Louisianians with some college credit but no degree.
“For Louisiana to be competitive in the economy of the future, we have to develop a more educated workforce,” University of Louisiana System President and CEO Jim Henderson said during the monthly meeting of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday. “Compete LA is designed to cut through the red tape of returning to school and provide supports at every step of the student’s educational journey.”
The program features adult-friendly degree paths throughout the System’s nine member institutions. Each Compete LA student is matched with a free coach to assist in identifying the best path to degree completion, re-enrollment, and academic success.
Henderson, who is former president of Northwestern State University, said, “Louisianians can compete at the highest levels provided they have the educational foundation to adapt in this new technology-driven reality. The future of work offers boundless opportunities for the prepared, and Compete LA is a platform to assist our citizens in reaching their full potential.”
Henderson previously discussed the program at a breakfast in Bossier City June 18. You can read more about that here.
The System has received more than 400 program applications through a three-month soft launch. Additionally, the System is reaching out to its own former students and has engaged more than 400 who have more than 120 course credits. The typical undergraduate degree only requires 124 credits for completion.
Students interested in finishing their degree can apply at CompeteLA.org or through the programs mobile app found in the App Store and on Google Play.