Accessing Higher Education... The Future of the Delta

Success Story

Through a collaboration of higher education institutions, the Delta region of northeast Louisiana has college prep and other coursework taught in their own backyard. These educational opportunities were made possible by a $45,000 grant from the Louisiana Board of Regents, the state agency that coordinates all higher education in Louisiana.

Partners in this collaborative effort include Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana Delta Community College, Louisiana Technical College-Tallulah and the NorthEast Educational Development (NEED) Foundation. Monies from the grant purchased computers, equipment, library resources, and other tools needed to teach basic computer classes, remedial math and English courses, and entrepreneurship courses. Classes will be held at the LSU AgCenter's Delta Rural Development Center.

The economically depressed Delta region is home to thousands of residents who can benefit from bringing higher education to this area. Affordability and accessibility may be the keys to increasing college attendance rates and having first generation college graduates. Guidelines for this collaborative regional project allow dual enrollment for high school students thus providing the opportunity for them to complete required remedial courses and complete their high school degree program.

The institutions have shared resources and established regional working relationships that can serve as building blocks for the future. By collaborative efforts of all of higher education, workforce development resources and formal course work will enable and encourage the aspiring entrepreneur.