SOWELA Technical Community College has been educating the region’s workforce since 1940 when it first opened its doors to students. The college was created by an act of the Louisiana State Legislature in 1938 and has been known by several different names since it was established.
By the 1990s, SOWELA was among the largest and most progressive post-secondary technical colleges in the state of Louisiana. This prompted the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Board of Supervisors to change its status to a technical community college effective July 1, 2003. Throughout the school’s more than 85-year history, our mission and core values have remained constant and relevant to meet the changing needs of the community that we serve.
SOWELA strives for excellence in teaching, training and service, and is committed to student success, integrity, collaboration, innovation, access and diversity.
SOWELA Technical Community College currently has leadership in place that is focused on growth, further improving the academic experience and looking ahead toward the school’s future. A new strategic plan has been adopted and is currently being implemented in all aspects. The future at SOWELA is bright.
SOWELA is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in Calcasieu Parish and serves citizens of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis parishes.