South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc), in partnership with the Office of the Governor’s Success Council and the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), proudly announces the launch of Driving Louisiana Forward. This initiative is a specialized Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program designed to support Black men in Louisiana, opening new career pathways in the high-demand trucking industry.
This program aligns with the Success Council’s mission to enhance career opportunities for Black men, specifically addressing unemployment, income inequality, and access to essential job training. With the Success Council’s support, Driving Louisiana Forward will offer 20 participants the financial resources and hands-on training needed to obtain a CDL, equipping them with skills for sustainable careers in transportation.
Dr. Tiffany Howard, Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development & Continuing Education at SoLAcc, highlighted the impact of the program: “Driving Louisiana Forward is about empowering individuals with the training they need to enter stable, well-paying careers. At SoLAcc, we believe in breaking down barriers to opportunity, and this partnership enables us to drive positive change by providing vital skills and support for Black men in our community.”
The Governor’s Success Council has allocated $56,500 to cover tuition for participants training at SoLAcc from November 2024 to September 2025. Additional support will be provided by the LWC, which will assist in connecting graduates to job opportunities, bridging the gap between training and long-term employment.
Chandler Vidrine, Executive Director of the Office of the Governor’s Success Council, emphasized the value of collaboration in advancing the Council’s mission: "Driving Louisiana Forward is an unprecedented partnership with SoLAcc, the Louisiana Workforce Commission, and the Governor’s Office to create opportunities and empower our workforce. This program goes beyond CDL training—it breaks barriers, closes gaps, and builds a skilled workforce that represents Louisiana’s full potential.”
Through Driving Louisiana Forward, SoLAcc, the Governor’s Success Council, and the LWC are building workforce diversity, addressing labor shortages, and contributing to local economic growth.
Prospective participants can find more information on eligibility, financial support, and program details at SoLAcc.edu/CDL.