Student Resources
Tools, information, and services to help you succeed in and out of the classroom.
Background shows a muted promotional video of SOWELA students and campus life. Use Apply to SOWELA or Find Your Program to get started.
Hands-on training for in-demand careers.
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SOWELA Technical Community College
At SOWELA, we realize that your end goal is not only graduation but a future full of opportunities. Whether that means transferring to a four-year university, entering the workforce with an in-demand skill, or taking the next step toward a new career, SOWELA helps you turn your goals into a plan.
Start here
Pick a field to see its programs. Paths include associate degrees, transfer to a four-year university, and short-term job training.
Associate degrees that lead to criminal justice careers or transfer to a four-year university.
At SOWELA, our goal is to prepare students for in-demand, high-wage jobs using industry-based curriculum and technology in state-of-the-art facilities.
Learn More About SOWELA
“Knowing I helped change his life—I was hooked.”
Jonathan DarbonneWelding graduate, 2007 · Associate Dean
Jonathan Darbonne finished SOWELA’s welding program in 2007. He went on to teach it, then to coordinate it, and today he serves as Associate Dean.
Read Jonathan’s story“The basic core skills I learned at SOWELA carried me to where I am today.”
Jeneè FoxDrafting & Design alumna · Titans Space astronaut candidate
Jeneè Fox earned her associate degree in Drafting & Design at SOWELA, then transferred to an engineering program. Today she works at Entergy and is a Titans Space astronaut candidate.
Read Jeneè’s story“It was a tough time, but SOWELA was wonderful and helpful the entire time.”
Daniel JacobChemical Laboratory Technology graduate · Lab analyst
Daniel Jacob graduated from Chemical Laboratory Technology in Spring 2021 and was hired as a lab analyst at Rain Carbon. His daughter later enrolled in the same program.
Read Daniel’s storyThe Enrollment Services One Stop Center, located in the Sycamore Student Center, helps with admissions, financial aid, registration, and general enrollment questions, all in one place.
Explore SOWELA degrees, diplomas, certificates, and career pathways.
Browse programsSubmit your application online and take your first step toward becoming a SOWELA student.
Start your applicationFind FAFSA, scholarships, aid resources, and funding information.
Find financial aidMeet with an academic advisor, then register for classes during the registration dates.
See all enrollment stepsUpcoming deadlines and term dates from the SOWELA event calendar.
View the event calendarPress releases and campus news.
Four locations across Southwest Louisiana, plus online programs.
Main campusCalcasieu Parish
SOWELA has trained the region’s workforce since it first opened to students in 1940. The main campus is home to the One Stop Center for admissions, financial aid, and registration.
Morgan Smith siteJefferson Davis Parish
Take college courses and get training close to home, between Lake Charles and Lafayette. Start courses toward an associate degree, technical diploma, or certificate, including in-demand programs like Industrial Instrumentation. Short-term workforce training is offered too.
Lamar Salter siteVernon Parish
Two-year academic and technical programs that lead straight to a job or transfer to a four-year university.
Oakdale siteAllen Parish
Career and technical programs, general education courses, high school dual enrollment, adult education, and workforce training.
Select a pin to open that campus page.
At SOWELA, you’re more than a student. You’re part of a community that’s here to help you succeed.
Tools, information, and services to help you succeed in and out of the classroom.
Explore career options, build your skills, and connect with opportunities.
Get the help you need, from academic support to personal well-being.
Popular links
Associate degrees, transfer to a four-year university, and short-term job training. Swipe to explore each school.
Arts & SciencesAssociate degrees that lead to criminal justice careers or transfer to a four-year university.Explore Arts & SciencesBusiness & Applied TechnologyHands-on programs for careers in business, design, technology, and culinary arts.Explore Business & TechIndustrial TechnologyTechnical training for jobs in industrial plants and laboratories.Explore Industrial TechNursing & Allied HealthClinical training for nursing and allied health careers.Explore Nursing & HealthTransportation & Applied TechnologyTraining for transportation and skilled-trade careers, with apprenticeship options.Explore TransportationShort-term TrainingFocused training for in-demand jobs such as CDL and HVAC. A limited number of scholarships are available.Explore Short-term TrainingFour steps to becoming a SOWELA student.
One Stop CenterIn the Sycamore Student Center. Help with admissions, financial aid, registration, and general enrollment questions, all in one place.
Explore SOWELA degrees, diplomas, certificates, and career pathways.
Browse programsSubmit your application online and take your first step toward becoming a SOWELA student.
Start your applicationFind FAFSA, scholarships, aid resources, and funding information.
Find financial aidMeet with an academic advisor, then register for classes during the registration dates.
See all enrollment stepsQuestions along the way? Talk to the One Stop Center.
Four locations across Southwest Louisiana. Tap a campus to see its address, hours, and contact information.
