$40 Million Fund Proposed To Help Colleges Train Workers

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — College leaders say a proposed fund to reward colleges and universities that produce graduates who fill high-demand jobs could help attract faculty to train the needed workers in the Acadiana area.

South Louisiana Community College Chancellor Natalie Harder told the Acadiana Press Club on Monday getting experts to leave their fields where they can earn more money in the workplace than they can teaching their profession is an obstacle to meeting workforce demands.

The Advocate reports the proposed $40 million fund would be used by colleges and universities in programs that supply workers in high-growth fields such as engineering, finance and accounting, computer science, data analysis, industrial production and construction crafts.

The $40 million fund has been dubbed the Workforce and Innovation for a Stronger Economy plan.