BATON ROUGE — Future Use of Energy in Louisiana has committed $800,000 to Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges to expand energy-related programs at community colleges across the state.

The one-year investment is the first in an expected multiyear commitment by FUEL to create a scholarship program that gives Louisiana residents access to high-wage, high-demand jobs in the state's energy sector.

FUEL is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and Louisiana Economic Development. Beyond the scholarship fund, the organization will also support curriculum development at community colleges for programs building workforce skills in the energy sector.

"Louisiana's energy sector supports a wide range of middle-skill jobs and career pathways that create wealth-building opportunities for Louisiana residents," said Lacy McManus, Director of Workforce Development for FUEL. "These in-demand roles, however, require advanced technical training and programs aligned with industry needs."

"LCTC institutions are uniquely positioned to not only deliver best-in-class instruction for Louisiana's energy workforce but also serve as access points for residents seeking meaningful career opportunities," McManus said. "FUEL is thrilled to advance our longstanding partnership with LCTC to secure our state's energy future."

This partnership builds on FUEL's previous investments in energy education and workforce development at community colleges, including a $100,000 FUEL Scale award to River Parishes Community College in 2025.

"This investment from FUEL will allow us to expand our capacity to respond directly to the workforce needs of Louisiana's energy sector," said Chandler LeBoeuf, executive vice president of LCTC. "Our colleges are at their best when we're working alongside industry to turn workforce needs into real opportunities for students."

"This partnership gives us another powerful tool to do that — preparing more Louisianans for good careers while helping ensure our state has the skilled talent it needs to compete and grow," LeBoeuf said.

The investment was announced at the LCTC board meeting at Baton Rouge Community College. It is aligned with the Whole-of-Louisiana Energy Strategy, which positions Louisiana as the U.S. location of choice for energy production, industrial investment and workforce performance.