On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, the College of Business and Social Sciences at the University of Louisiana Monroe held a press conference to announce that they have received a $1,499,983 grant from the Department of Labor WORC Delta Regional Authority. This is the second consecutive grant that the university has received to fund the High School Business Academy. The program covers 11 parishes in Northeast Louisiana and is aimed at preparing high school students for in-demand jobs in their communities.
The High School Business Academy is a program where ULM's business faculty creates business-related courses and provides training to area high school teachers. The high school teachers are given all necessary information and materials to teach the courses. Students who complete six business academy courses earn a certificate of completion from the High School Business Academy. Once a student has successfully taken at least two business academy courses and has a teacher recommendation, they are eligible to apply for a paid internship. The program coordinator, Kelli Cole, coordinates all internships and matches students to local businesses based on the student’s career goals, skills, and location.
Representatives from local businesses who have participated in the program attended the press conference as well as current and former students who have participated in the High School Business Academy. Local businesses praised the program for its educational partnerships with industry. ULM President Dr. Ron Berry also spoke at the conference and thanked the high school student participants in attendance for their willingness to work with businesses in the community.
The grant award allows for the continuation of the High School Business Academy, which has been funded for the last three years by the initial grant that was received in 2020. High School Business Academy courses are currently available in twenty-four local high schools. High school students who wish to participate in the academy can speak with their school’s guidance counselor.