Northwestern State University and Bossier Parish Community College will sign an articulation agreement in which students who earn a Certification for Manufacturing (C4M) at BPCC will receive seven hours of credit to apply to a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering technology at Northwestern State. The agreement makes it easier for students earning C4M to continue in their goal of earning a bachelor’s degree. 
The signing will take place Wednesday, July 8 at BPCC.
“BPCC and Northwestern State University have a shared vision of innovation and collaboration that leads to enhanced educational services to the citizens of our region,” said BPCC Chancellor Rick Bateman. “Together, we will create pathways to prosperity for students and continue to create a competitive advantage for employers in northwest Louisiana.”
C4M is an industry-based certification recognized by the secondary system as well as business and industry. The certification course is offered through a program developed by Louisiana Economic Development and is offered at BPCC. Administrators say the agreement provides more options for individuals who leave high school and obtain an associate degree to then pursue a bachelor’s degree. It also facilitates a pipeline for employers and meets the needs of regional industry.
“This articulation provides a path of stackable credentials, where students who complete their C4M at BPCC get credit towards a 4-year degree at NSU,” said Dr. Ali Ahmad, head of the Department of Engineering Technology. “It represents yet another way in which NSU is working with different regional institutions to develop the needed technical skills required by Louisiana manufacturers.”
This is a win-win situation for everyone – employers, educational institutions, and students,” said Dr. Margaret Kilcoyne, dean of Northwestern State’s School of Business and Technology. “Employees with the required knowledge, skills and abilities are more productive and adaptable.”
Northwestern State was the first university in Louisiana to sign the C4M articulation agreement when the university partnered with Northwest Louisiana Technical College in a similar agreement in 2014.
The C4 Manufacturing curriculum provides an introduction to manufacturing, tools and equipment used in manufacturing, automation and an introduction to fabrication, process technology and machining. LED tailored the curriculum to reflect industry needs and to create a map for individuals interested in pursuing more advanced credentials.
