South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc) is expanding its reach across Acadiana with a new $2.38 million federal grant that will bring free educational resources, personalized guidance and new opportunities to thousands of residents over the next five years.
Awarded through the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) program, the grant provides $476,000 annually to help more individuals explore higher education, navigate enrollment and financial aid, and take the next step toward their educational goals.
Since launching its EOC program in 2021, SoLAcc has connected 2,130 new participants with resources to pursue higher education. The new grant builds on that success, doubling the program’s annual service goal from 850 to 1,700 participants and expanding its reach into Lafayette, Acadia, St. Landry and Evangeline parishes. The program will also continue serving residents in Iberia, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion parishes.
“This grant is a big win for Acadiana, as it expands our services from four Acadiana parishes to all eight,” said Dr. Vincent June, Chancellor of SoLAcc. “We’ve seen the impact this program can have, and this investment allows us to build on that success, strengthen our communities and help more individuals take meaningful steps toward their future.”
The expansion will increase access to educational support in communities with limited access to educational resources, connecting residents with free, individualized assistance that includes college admissions, FAFSA and financial aid guidance, career exploration, financial literacy and referrals for high school equivalency preparation.
“Our community partnerships are essential to connecting people with educational opportunities, especially in areas where access to resources may be limited,” said Dr. Damian Glover, Interim Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs at SoLAcc. “With this expansion, we can strengthen those relationships, reach more residents across Acadiana and provide the personalized support they need to move forward with their educational goals.”
Through partnerships with schools, Adult Education providers, workforce agencies, libraries and community organizations, SoLAcc will bring EOC services directly into the communities it serves. Support will also be available through campus locations, outreach activities and virtual appointments.
The program provides eligible individuals with guidance and resources to explore postsecondary education opportunities, navigate the college admissions and financial aid processes, and pursue educational pathways at SoLAcc or other institutions that align with their academic and career goals.
The new award reinforces SoLAcc’s continued commitment to connecting education, opportunity and community needs across Acadiana. For more information visit www.solacc.edu/trio.
ABOUT ACADIANA’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE
South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc) is a comprehensive community college with campuses in Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville, and Ville Platte. Serving approximately 12,000 students annually, SoLAcc offers associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, and industry-based certifications that prepare students for in-demand careers and strengthen workforce pipelines across Acadiana. SoLAcc and its graduates generate $294.9 million in added income for the Acadiana economy, supporting one out of every 97 jobs in the region. The College’s impact and commitment to student success have also earned national recognition, including being named among the Top 200 U.S. community colleges eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize and selected as a Top 10 national finalist for the 2026 Bellwether Award. Learn more about SoLAcc’s impact at solacc.edu/impact.