Community leaders are partnering to host a kick-off event for a new community initiative called College to Church that aims to increase college credentials to young minority adult males in the Lafayette area.
In Lafayette Parish, nearly 60 percent of minority males 25 years and older have no college credential. A partnership between South Louisiana Community College, 100 Black Men of Greater Lafayette, the Senior Pastors United Alliance, and several church congregations is aimed at changing that statistic. ‘College to Church’ is a new initiative that does exactly what its name says: brings college to church.
“This game-changing program will provide an underserved population of citizens with an entry point to higher education, community and faith-based support to help them excel, and the necessary skills to attend and graduate from SLCC,” said Dr. Natalie Harder, SLCC Chancellor in a release announcing the program.
A community kick-off event will be held Saturday, Oct. 10 featuring community leaders and SLCC representatives who will be on hand to talk about the importance of this initiative. SLCC’s Student Services staff will also be on hand to help with financial aid questions, the admissions process and career and transfer services.
Earning a college credential or degree can break the cycle of poverty in many instances. Many hands-on training programs offered at SLCC, such as welding and non-destructive testing, are high-wage, high-demand industries right here in Acadiana.
The College to Church kickoff is free and open to the public and will be held Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church cafeteria, 818 12th St., in Lafayette. Free refreshments will be served and SLCC representatives will be available with college information. For more about this College to Church event call (337) 521-9000.