Press Release

Senior Obama Administration Official Announces $1 Million Investment to Support Workforce Training

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
July 7, 2016

RESERVE, La. – U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Jay Williams today announced a $1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to South Central Louisiana Technical College (SCLTC) during a program at the school’s Reserve campus. The grant, which will help build a welding training center, will help place 576 students in jobs during the next nine years, according to SCLTC.

“The Obama administration and the Department of Commerce have made skills and workforce development a top priority,” said Assistant Secretary Williams. “This EDA investment will help to establish a welding training center that will ensure that local workers are better prepared and better equipped to meet regional business demands.”

SCLTC’s mission is to prepare individuals for improved quality of life, workforce success, and lifelong learning while addressing the needs of business and industry. EDA’s investment will help the college with site preparation, building design and construction for the new welding training center. The facility will include indoor welding booths and an outdoor welding area to maximize training opportunities for students.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. To learn more about EDA, visit www.eda.gov.