SLCC program helps nine youthful offenders

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and South Louisiana Community College have partnered to bring training opportunities to offenders in the LPSO’s Corrections Division.

Nine new graduates were added to their growing roster at a graduation ceremony Aug. 29 at the LPSO Public Safety Complex. Elwood Billiot, Jaizlen Comeaux, Joshua Cope, Jesstin Journet, Kermit Leger, Christian Robinson, Brandon St. Julien, Robert Thibodeaux and Maximilian Trautmann were honored for their accomplishments in successfully completing the Technical Welding Program.  

“As we celebrate the graduation of these nine dedicated individuals from the Technical Welding Program, we witness the transformative power of education and second chances,” said Dr. Vincent June, chancellor of SLCC. 

“This partnership between the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and South Louisiana Community College stands as a testament to our commitment to empower individuals with the skills needed for a brighter future.”

The program, which started in August of 2017, was a collaboration aimed at reducing recidivism and bringing critical skills to inmates who, in turn, complete the required coursework and performance profiles.  

“I’m very proud of our graduates. It takes a lot of work and effort to get through a program that long. They’ll be able to save money for when they get out, and have a marketable skill to offer the workforce,” said Sheriff Mark Garber.

“I’m also very proud of SLCC. Thank you for all of the equipment that you donated and thank you for the academic support that you’ve provided.” 

“The SLCC-LPSO Welding Program partnership is an important one for the Lafayette community, the Acadiana region, and the state. Many inmate students that enroll in and complete the program are not always residents of the Lafayette area, so the program has far-reaching effects in reducing recidivism rates and changing lives for the re-entry population and their families. The partnership is definitely a game-changer for Louisiana,” said Dr. Andre E. Perez, SLCC executive director for academic & strategic initiatives  

Several of the graduates maintained high marks throughout the program, Joshua Cope graduated with a 4.0 GPA; Elwood Billiot and Christian Robinson graduated with a 3.9 GPA. Graduates of the program receive a technical diploma in welding and the option to continue classes at SLCC and work toward obtaining an associate degree upon their release.