Goal Measures Earned Degrees, Diplomas and Industry-based Certifications (IBCs) to Assess Student Achievement
Lake Charles, Louisiana – Monday, July 28
SOWELA Technical Community College exceeded its 2024/2025 completer goal by 539, 24% over target. Part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System’s (LCTCS) benchmarks for “Reaching Prosperity by 2030,” SOWELA’s completer goal for 2024/2025 was 2,442, and the institution awarded 3,031 graduation and certification completions.
“SOWELA is mission-focused and provides the skills and knowledge needed for individuals to directly enter the workforce or continue their higher education journey,” said SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall. “The task of achieving the annual completer goal is a testament to the hard work and dedication the faculty and staff put forth each day to ensure our students are meeting their educational attainment goals and earning the degrees, diplomas or industry-based certifications needed to obtain a better job and enhance their lives and the lives of their families. By achieving our annual completer goals, SOWELA along with the other 11 colleges in the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), help the Louisiana Board of Regents achieve the goal of the Louisiana Prospers program which strives to increase the percentage of Louisiana’s working-age population (ages 28-64) with a credential of value beyond high school to 60% by 2030.”
The completer goal measures all earned credentials, including degrees, diplomas and industry-based certifications (IBCs). It includes both for-credit and non-credit programs and certifications, providing a clear picture of SOWELA’s mission and impact.
Margaret Savage, a SOWELA accounting student, completed Excel Associate- and Expert-level certifications at the College, along with Business Ethics, as part of her program. Even before she graduates in December, the IBCs have been a game-changer for her.
“As an accounting assistant at a CPA firm, I don’t know how I could have done this job without the certifications,” said Savage. “The certification process required me to study to prepare for the certification exams and to deepen my knowledge. They’re also a really great addition to my resume, proving to employers that I’m truly skilled in the Excel software.”
IBCs are certifications created by industries to confirm that individuals have mastered the critical skills necessary to be effective employees. These skills include both technical and workplace skills. Individuals who earn IBCs have a real advantage when applying for jobs in high-demand careers. They also help build confidence, enlarge students’ professional networks and advance their careers.
IBCs at SOWELA include Adobe Certified Professional, Microsoft Certificates, NCCER, AWS certifications, Phlebotomy Technician, QuickBooks Certified User, ServSafe Food Handler or Manager, Fiber Optic Specialist or Technician, CPR and AED for Healthcare Providers, Commercial Driver’s License, Certified Surgical Technologist, Licensed Practical Nurse and much more.
For information about SOWELA’s available IBCs and degree programs, contact the One Stop Enrollment Office at (337) 421-6560 or onestop@sowela.edu. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify, and the College is currently enrolling for the Fall 2025 semester.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College offers dynamic instruction and practical learning opportunities that prepare students to seamlessly transfer or to excel in today’s workforce. For more information, visit www.sowela.edu.