BOSSIER CITY, La. — The BPCC Foundation, Inc. has received a $50,000 grant from Louisiana Charities Trust to expand and enhance the noncredit Certified Nursing Assistant program at Bossier Parish Community College.
College officials said the funding will support increased enrollment capacity, curriculum modernization and expanded simulation-based training to better prepare students for clinical environments. The initiative also includes targeted outreach and strengthened partnerships with hospitals, long-term care facilities and home health providers to align training with workforce needs.
BPCC plans to double CNA enrollment capacity over the next two years, accelerating the pathway from training to employment as demand for skilled nursing assistants continues to rise statewide.
Louisiana healthcare providers face ongoing workforce shortages, particularly in entry-level clinical roles such as CNAs. BPCC said the program expansion is designed to deliver short-term workforce training that connects students to in-demand healthcare careers.
“We are excited to work alongside Bossier Parish Community College to create meaningful pathways that address the healthcare workforce shortage in our state, and our local community,” said Kirk Savoy, a spokesperson for Louisiana Charities Trust. “By supporting programs like the CNA initiative, we are investing in practical, high-impact solutions that strengthen communities and open doors to sustainable careers for Louisiana residents.”
“This generous investment allows BPCC to directly address one of the most critical workforce challenges facing our state,” said Chancellor Dr. Rick Bateman Jr. “With the support of Louisiana Charities Trust, we are expanding access to high-quality training that leads to sustainable careers, and strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals our hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies rely on to serve our communities.”
College officials said the expanded program will provide students with industry-recognized credentials while increasing the number of qualified healthcare professionals entering the North Louisiana workforce.