Louisiana Universities expand career training, secure millions in Federal Funding

Universities serving Central Louisiana are expanding educational opportunities through new federal grants and academic partnerships aimed at strengthening Louisiana's workforce in healthcare, aviation technology, education, cybersecurity and emergency management. Northwestern State University has received two federal grants totaling nearly $3.8 million in projected and awarded funding, while LSU Alexandria and LSU Eunice have announced three new agreements designed to help students transition from associate degrees into bachelor's degree programs.

NSU Receives $3.25 Million Nursing Grant Northwestern State University has been awarded a five-year federal grant expected to provide $3.25 million to support eligible nursing students and strengthen Louisiana's healthcare workforce. The funding comes through the Health Resources and Services Administration's Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Program. NSU received $650,000 for the first year, with additional annual funding anticipated through 2031, subject to federal availability and program performance. Approximately 40 students are expected to receive need-based scholarship assistance each year through the university's Associate of Science in Nursing program. The scholarships will support eligible students from economically, educationally or geographically vulnerable backgrounds who demonstrate financial need. NSU's nursing program serves students through instructional locations in Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville/Fort Polk. Over the past five years, the program has graduated 651 nurses, contributing to the state's healthcare work force.

FAA Grant Expands Drone Training Northwestern State also received a $544,516 grant through the Federal Aviation Administration's 2026 Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program. The funding will support the university's Advanced Remote and Geospatial Operations (ARGO) Lab as it expands training for unmanned aircraft systems operators. Over the next two years, the university plans to expand its Remote Systems Science and Technology program, establish drone- training opportunities through its high school partner network and provide specialized training for first responders, veterans and working professionals. Scholarships, internships and assistance with FAA Part 107 certification exam fees will help reduce financial barriers for participants. University officials project that up to 600 individuals could participate during the grant period, helping prepare workers for careers involving aviation technology, public safety, infrastructure and environmental management.

LSUA and LSUE Create New Degree Pathways

Meanwhile, LSU Alexandria and LSU Eunice have established three new 2+2 agreements allowing students to begin their education at LSUE and transfer substantial portions of their coursework toward bachelor's degrees at LSUA. The agreements cover disaster preparedness and response, elementary education and cybersecurity technology. Students completing LSUE's Associate of Applied Science in Fire and Emergency Services may transfer up to 57 credit hours toward LSUA's Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Response. Students earning an Associate of General Studies may transfer 60 credit hours toward a bachelor's degree in elementary education, while cybersecurity students may apply up to 60 credits toward LSUA's Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Technology. LSUA Chancellor Elizabeth Beard said the agreements create clearer educational pathways while preparing graduates for careers important to Louisiana's future. The partnerships are intended to help students avoid unnecessary duplication of coursework while providing a more direct route toward completing four-year degrees. Together, the grants and academic agreements reflect continued efforts by Central Louisiana universities to expand access to higher education, prepare students for emerging careers and address workforce needs throughout the state.

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