Initiative to be Featured on May 19 Webinar
LAFAYETTE, La. – Today, One Acadiana (1A), LEDA, Acadiana Workforce Solutions, and other partners relaunched AcadianaOpportunity.com, a web portal that helps connect individuals seeking training or employment with resources. The initiative will be featured on an upcoming webinar with regional higher education leaders this Tuesday, May 19.
The Acadiana Opportunity portal includes an in-take form for workers who have lost their job due to COVID-19 to connect with a representative of Acadiana Workforce Solutions, who will determine their eligibility for grant funding that could help cover the cost of enrolling in training or certification classes. Youth age 16-24 can also apply for other grant funding intended to support paid work experience.
Additionally, the portal lists relevant course offerings at SLCC, LSU Eunice, and UL Lafayette, as well as job assistance resources available through Acadiana Workforce Solutions, LEDA, and Louisiana Job Connection.
1A and partners are hosting a webinar on Tuesday, May 19 at 9 a.m. to discuss this initiative and related opportunities with a panel of higher education leaders, including Dr. Nancee Sorenson, Chancellor of LSUE; Dr. Claire Arabie of UL Lafayette; and Jermaine Ford of SLCC. Registration is free and open to the public at AcadianaOpportunity.Eventbrite.com, but capacity will be limited.
“Addressing the challenge of reemployment in Acadiana requires a regional approach,” said One Acadiana President and CEO Troy Wayman. “One Acadiana is thrilled to partner with our region’s higher education institutions and development boards to connect individuals with the critical education, training, and funding resources they will need to get back to work.”
“With so much information available related to COVID-19, many individuals may not know where to turn. AcadianaOpportunity.com will play a vital role in getting the most valuable commodity – accurate and complete information – to our workforce,” said Gregg Gothreaux, President and CEO of LEDA. “This initiative is another illustration of the collaborative nature of community partners. Our organizations will continue to identify and connect our displaced workforce to resources, jobs, and educational opportunities.”
“We are excited about the relaunch of the Acadiana Opportunity web portal as it will provide a direct link for our staff to follow-up with workers who were recently laid off and youth who need to retrain for new careers in order to return to the workforce during this unprecedented time,” said Shanea Nelson of Acadiana Workforce Solutions.
More information is available at AcadianaOpportunity.com and AcadianaOpportunity.Eventbrite.com.
About One Acadiana
One Acadiana is the leading economic development organization for the nine-parish Acadiana region located in south Louisiana. 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.