LAFAYETTE, La. – One Acadiana (1A) hosted its annual update on the regional 55 by 25 educational attainment initiative, celebrating Lafayette Parish’s progress in being on track to surpass the initiative’s goal ahead of schedule. The event highlighted the ongoing efforts to raise the proportion of working-age adults in Acadiana with postsecondary degrees, certificates, or other high-value credentials to the goal of 55 percent by 2025.
The most recent Census data, for 2022, indicates Lafayette Parish’s postsecondary attainment rate is 53 percent. This includes attainment of associate degrees or higher levels of education, and an estimate for attainment of workforce-relevant certificates and industry-recognized certifications. If the current trendline holds, Lafayette Parish will surpass the 55 by 25 goal ahead of the 2025 Census data.
The postsecondary attainment rate in Acadiana’s more rural parishes is trailing Lafayette Parish, and as a nine-parish region, Acadiana’s postsecondary attainment rate is 40.6 percent.
Looking beyond 2025, 1A is strategically focusing on the region’s more rural parishes to ensure equitable access to education and workforce opportunities. This includes enhancing industry-aligned training and career pathways through an industry roundtable series, as well as leveraging training and career navigation services provided by partners, such as SLCC’s TRiO Educational Opportunity Centers.
At the event, 1A presented the 55 by 25 Accelerator Award to Brittany Renard and Dr. Andre Perez, for their work with SLCC’s TRiO Educational Opportunity Centers. The award is presented annually to one or more partners who have helped accelerate progress toward the 55 by 25 goal. This year’s award specifically recognized efforts to improve educational attainment in Acadiana’s rural communities.
SLCC’s Educational Opportunity Centers, funded by a federal TRiO grant, provide tailored guidance and support to rural learners in Iberia, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion parishes, assisting them in earning high school equivalency, applying for college and training programs, accessing financial aid, and more.
“Through the 55 by 25 initiative, One Acadiana proudly continues championing postsecondary attainment for our region,” stated 1A President & CEO Troy Wayman. “Our strong partnerships drive progress towards promoting equitable access to education and workforce opportunities. Leveraging these regional partnerships to create meaningful change is at the heart of our efforts, and we remain committed to cultivating a vibrant region for Acadiana.”
For more information about SLCC’s Educational Opportunity Centers, visit the College’s website at https://www.solacc.edu/about-us/college-for-you or email eoc@solacc.edu.
More information about the 55 by 25 initiative is available at https://www.oneacadiana.org/initiatives/55-by-25/
About One Acadiana
One Acadiana is the chamber of commerce for Lafayette and leading economic development organization for the nine-parish Acadiana region located in south Louisiana. The organization is recognized as one of four across the country to hold both an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) accreditation and a five-star U.S. Chamber of Commerce accreditation.
With more than 800 investors, members, and partners, One Acadiana serves as the voice of the regional business community. The organization is located in the city of Lafayette and serves a region of nearly 700,000 people with a vibrant culture and unique entrepreneurial spirit. Learn more at OneAcadiana.org.