The Governor’s Success Council, in partnership with the Louisiana Workforce Commission and South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc), proudly presented a check of $56,500 to support the Driving Louisiana Forward program. The allotted money will cover participants training at SoLAcc from November 2024 to September 2025.
The check-signing ceremony at SoLAcc included Chancellor Dr. Vincent June, Dr. Tiffany Howard, Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development & Continuing Education at SoLAcc, Success Council Executive Director Chandler Vidrine, and Louisiana Workforce Commission Susana Schowen.
This innovative CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) training program is dedicated to empowering Black men in Louisiana by creating pathways to high-demand careers in the trucking industry.
Chandler Vidrine, Executive Director of the Office of the Governor’s Success Council, said, “Driving Louisiana Forward represents an unparalleled partnership among SoLAcc, the Louisiana Workforce Commission, and the Governor’s Office to cultivate opportunities and empower our workforce. This initiative transcends traditional training—it dismantles barriers, narrows gaps, and establishes a skilled labor force reflective of Louisiana’s untapped potential.”
Through hands-on training, job placement assistance, and financial support, Driving Louisiana Forward addresses workforce shortages while fostering economic growth and opportunity statewide.
“This initiative shows the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s dedication to meeting the needs of our employers while lifting our people out of poverty,” said Susana Schowen, Secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission. “By providing workforce solutions tailored to our state’s key economic driver industries, we create pathways from dependence to independence. This program is about empowering our residents with opportunities that transform lives and fuel the growth of Louisiana’s economy.”
The program not only equips participants with essential skills but also addresses workforce needs by connecting them to stable, in-demand careers in the trucking industry.
Dr. Tiffany Howard, Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development & Continuing Education at SoLAcc, said, “Driving Louisiana Forward is about empowering individuals with the training they need to enter stable, well-paying careers. At SoLAcc, we believe in breaking down barriers to opportunity, and this partnership enables us to drive positive change by providing vital skills and support for Black men in our community.”
For more information about the program or enrollment opportunities, visit SLCC’s program page.