SHREVEPORT, La. — AT&T has contributed $20,000 to the Roy Griggs School of Business at Southern University at Shreveport to support scholarships for low-income, working adult students pursuing business degrees.
The funding will be used to assist students enrolled in associate degree and certificate programs focused on accounting, business management and entrepreneurship. University officials said the scholarships are intended to reduce financial barriers for students balancing employment, family responsibilities and coursework.
“Businesses across every industry are looking for professionals who understand both business fundamentals and modern technology,” said Roy Griggs, president and chief executive officer of the Roy Griggs School of Business. “This support helps remove financial barriers for driven, working adults who want to advance their careers and contribute at a higher level in the regional economy.”
Dr. Aubra Gantt, chancellor of Southern University at Shreveport, said the contribution aligns with the university’s mission to expand access to higher education and improve student completion rates.
“These scholarships create real opportunity for students who are balancing work, family, and school while pursuing a business degree,” Gantt said. “It strengthens our mission to expand access, improve completion, and prepare graduates with the practical, technology-driven skills employers are demanding today.”
State Sen. Sam Jenkins said investments in workforce education have broader economic impacts for the region.
“Workforce development is economic development,” Jenkins said. “Investments that help limited-income, working adults earn business degrees with modern, in-demand skills directly support job growth, entrepreneurship, and long-term prosperity for Shreveport and the entire region.”
The Roy Griggs School of Business serves a large population of working adults and first-generation college students, providing workforce-focused education aimed at supporting regional employers and economic mobility.
“By expanding access to business education for working adults, the Roy Griggs School of Business is helping ensure more people have the skills and credentials needed to succeed in today’s economy,” said David Aubrey, president of AT&T Louisiana.