Calcasieu Parish School Board honored with State Leadership Award from SOWELA
Calcasieu Parish School Board honored with State Leadership Award from SOWELA
Release courtesy of SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College honored the Calcasieu Parish School Board (CPSB) at the recent Louisiana Community and Technical College (LCTC) Impact Awards in New Orleans. The school board received the Walter G. Bumphus Excellence in Leadership Award for its Virtual Instruction Program.
Through an innovative model of centralized, highly credentialed teachers delivering live instruction, VIP ensures equitable access to STEM, Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses regardless of a school’s size or location.
Through its partnership with SOWELA, VIP allows students to earn more than 60 hours of college credit, a Certificate of General Studies or an Associate of General Studies degree while still in high school. The program reduces college costs, accelerates credential attainment and strengthens Louisiana’s workforce pipeline.
“The Virtual Instruction Program has expanded opportunities for students across Calcasieu Parish while helping them earn valuable college credentials before graduation,” said SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall. “We’re proud to partner with CPSB in creating pathways that prepare students for college and careers.”
VIP has become a statewide model for expanding educational opportunity, college readiness and workforce preparation.
“We are incredibly grateful to receive this prestigious award and to be recognized by both SOWELA and the LCTC,” said Dr. Jason VanMetre, CPSB Superintendent. “The Virtual Instruction Program has changed the educational journey of high school students across our district for the better, and this could not be accomplished without having SOWELA alongside us in this endeavor. When we build foundations for the future of our students, we do it with the support of partners like SOWELA, and the Virtual Instruction Program showcases that at the highest level.”
Named in honor of Dr. Walter G. Bumphus, LCTC president from 2001–2007 and a nationally respected higher education leader, this award recognizes individuals, organizations, business and industry that have demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing higher education and expanding opportunity in Louisiana. Honorees reflect innovation, measurable impact, collaboration and a commitment to improving educational and workforce outcomes through meaningful leadership and strategic action.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College offers dynamic instruction and practical learning opportunities that prepare students to seamlessly transfer or to excel in today’s workforce. For more information, visit www.sowela.edu.