South Central Technical College Reserve Campus celebrated its Sixth Annual Career Links Event April 26.

The event “links” the needs of business met by a technical education.

The Shell-sponsored event hosted seven local Industry tables with company representatives answering questions about local career opportunities. Local high school students, parents and teachers were able to gather information on industry careers and then move on to the educational programs and majors offered by SCLTC for the training that’s needed in critical fields and positions.

Shell, Marathon, Dow, W.R. Grace, Entergy, Barrierre Construction and Valero were the Industry partners who actively participated this year’s event.

The key note speaker and Shell representative was Workforce Initiative Manager David Esquibel, who provided inspiring remarks to students and offered a strong message of committing to the journey of a college education and then a professional technical career.

Financial Aid representatives were available to help parents navigate the FASFA application, which offers grants to cover tuition, books and fees for most programs. Since the Reserve campus does not currently offer student loans, graduates have nothing to pay back after graduation if they take advantage of the grant program.

The students and parents who attended received valuable information, strong encouragement and were inspired to make educational decisions for a career pathway that they can act on immediately!

Students and their families also enjoyed dinner provided through Shell’s sponsorship and Cajun Grill and Catering, which served jambalaya, while cookies, fresh fruit and drinks came from Matherne’s Supermarket.

The event was held in the new Media Center of the C.A.T.E. Building, and many guests took the opportunity to tour the new classrooms and multiple labs.

The level of participation at this year’s event was heightened by the three River Parish School Boards’ and local Economic Development Departments’ added marketing efforts.

Effective July 1, your Reserve campus will become a branch of River Parishes Community College. This new opportunity will bring even more educational choices to the River Region. All of the current programs at the Reserve Campus are remaining.

New Programs will be added as student interest and Industry needs dictate. The Faculty and Staff at the Reserve campus are excited and looking forward to the opportunities that being a full-fledged Community College will mean to the River Parishes and their residents.

Currently, enrollment is open for Summer and Fall classes. There has never been a better time to explore the possibility of a new or improved career. Day and evening classes are offered in most programs. With online and hybrid classes, it is possible to work on your degree while keeping your full time job and family responsibilities.

Go to our website, www.scl.edu, and apply today.

Penelope Freeman is Campus Dean for South Central Louisiana Technical College. She is at the Reserve Campus. Email her at penelopefreeman@ scl.edu.