ý and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office have partnered to provide training opportunities to incarcerated individuals, equipping them with in-demand skills for a fresh start. Seven new graduates were honored at a graduation ceremony on April 10, 2025, at the community training facility in Baldwin. Alejandro Nievas, Brian Delaune, Chris Charbonnel, Derrick Enke, Ian Morgan, Jonathan Myers, and Kalab Wood have successfully completed the Technical Welding Program.
“As we celebrate the achievements of these seven individuals, we recognize the life-changing impact of education and opportunity. This partnership between the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office and SoLAcc demonstrates our shared commitment to empowering individuals with the skills they need to build a better future,” said Dr. Vincent June, SoLAcc Chancellor.
The program, hosted at the Port of West St. Mary’s workforce training facility, underscores SoLAcc’s dedication to serving communities by making high-quality workforce training accessible. The facility, located near Baldwin, was built with the support of an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant in conjunction with the port and the State of Louisiana. It opened in 2023 and includes a welding shop with 12 booths, providing a space where students can develop practical skills that meet industry demands.
"I am so proud of these men. They worked hard and earned this honor 100%. I have always believed that sometimes, people don’t need a handout—they need a hand up. For these men to now be welders with opportunities to earn a good living, and to be in a position to invest in their futures, is a monumental accomplishment. We believe this program will help them, as well as others in the future, achieve success in life and avoid becoming another recidivism statistic. I can’t thank SoLAcc enough for making this a reality," said Sheriff Gary Driskell, St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office.
Graduates of the program earn a technical diploma in Welding and have the option to continue their education at SoLAcc upon release, working toward an associate degree or additional certifications. This initiative reflects SoLAcc’s broader mission to create pathways to success for all students, regardless of their circumstances. “SoLAcc’s partnership with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office is another example of how we are committed to workforce development, not just in classrooms but in every corner of our region,” said Dr. Andre Perez, SoLAcc Associate Vice-Chancellor of External Affairs & Strategic Initiatives. “Programs like this change lives, providing meaningful career opportunities for returning citizens and strengthening Louisiana’s workforce.”
In 2024, SoLAcc became the first higher education institution under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to be fully accredited as a Prison Education Program (PEP) provider.