SkillsUSA - Louisiana Postsecondary

600+ Louisiana secondary & postsecondary students gathered for the opening ceremony yesterday afternoon! An absolutely incredible turnout this year - and now we are on to day TWO of competitions. Good luck to our remaining competitors! 🙏🏼

It’s been an amazing day so far here at the Louisiana State SkillsUSA Competition!

The energy has been incredible as students from across the state showcase their talents in a wide range of competitions. From hands-on skills to leadership events, the dedication and hard work are on full display.

This is more than just a competition—it’s a look at the future, and it’s looking bright. 💪

Excited to see what the rest of the week brings! 🎉

It’s SkillsUSA State competition week here in Louisiana, and the energy is unmatched! 🔥

We’re proud to welcome some of the most talented, driven, and hardworking students from across the state as they step into a week full of competition, growth, and opportunity. From skilled trades to creative industries, these students are the future - and they’re ready to show out.

To all the schools, instructors, and competitors: we’re excited to have you here and can’t wait to see you shine. Let’s make this a week to remember! 💪🎉

CLTCC is grateful to our many Partners and Students as we recall our significant accomplishments and milestones of 2025.

“Bobcat Nation is once again celebrating an exceptional year, made possible by the strength of our supportive community, business & industry partners, and education partners,” said outgoing Chancellor Dr. Jimmy Sawtelle, “While I am proud of our accomplishments over this year and the past 13 years, I am also excited about CLTCC’s future under the leadership of incoming chancellor Dr. Heather Poole. Dr. Poole has been a vital member of our leadership team and brings the skill and passion needed to advance CLTCC’s mission of guiding students to high demand, high wage, high skill careers in Central Louisiana.”

As the year draws to a close, here is a look at some of the stories the college ranked as the biggest CLTCC stories of 2025:
• CLTCC exceeded the Louisiana Community & Technical College System’s 'Reaching Prosperity by 2030' initiative goal by 40%. The college produced 2,818 completers, well above the stretch target of 2,008, across short-term credentials through associate degrees. These results include both traditional academic programs and workforce development training. CLTCC now stands at a cumulative performance level 25% above target, since 2021.
• 2025 saw CLTCC students earn 400 Allied Health credentials in 400 days including Practical Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, Patient Care Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, and more.
• 2025 enrollment was up 13% marking four consecutive semesters of increased enrollment.
• Members of the college’s Welding Fabrication Team, along with individual student competitors, won top honors at the SkillsUSA - Louisiana Postsecondary State Competition. The Welding Fabrication Team captured a gold medal with team members Harley Burton, Angel Guerrero, and Gabe Marcotte. Also, Jonathan Dry won an individual gold medal in Welding while Kyjhai Garcia received a Bronze Medal in Internetworking.
• With overwhelming community and legislative support, our Rod Brady Campus in Jena was expedited for a new campus on property donated by the LaSalle Economic Development District. Additionally, our Ward H. Nash Avoyelles Campus is poised for a significant building project funded through Act 35 of the 2025 Louisiana Legislative Session.
• The Coughlin-Saunders Foundation donated a 2,500-square-foot building in Downtown Alexandria worth $360,000 for expansion and multi-purpose use.
• The Allen and Jeannette Guillory Thomason Foundation donated $375,000 to CLTCC to create endowed scholarships in Construction and Nursing & Allied Health.
• CLTCC continued its strongest financial administration and leadership position as supported by its most recent Louisiana Legislative Audit, which reported zero findings.
• CLTCC achieved an The Aspen Institute “three-peat” by receiving its third consecutive recognition as one of the top community colleges in the nation.
• CLTCC was ranked as No. 1 ‘Best Community College in Louisiana’ by Niche.
• CLTCC entered its record tenth year of maintaining tuition at 2015 prices for student affordability and access.

Applications for the upcoming semester are now open, for information visit www.CLTCC.edu/apply.

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Hey Louisiana! 🌟 As Awards Night wraps up, don’t forget to send your favorite moments to Taryn or Alison — we want to see those winning smiles and memories!

We are so proud of every single one of you. You’re a state champ who made it to the national stage — and that’s something worth celebrating! 💪✨

Sending all the good vibes your way as we close out an incredible week.

And we are?! SKILLSUSA! ❤️💙🤍


⸻SkillsUSA

🌟 Good morning, Louisiana! 🌟
Let’s send all the good vibes to our incredible voting delegates — Taryn, Justin, and Jonathan — as they meet with the national officer candidates today! 🇺🇸💬

They’re learning more, asking the tough questions, and preparing to cast their votes for our future national team. Let’s cheer them on as they help shape the future of SkillsUSA! 🙌

WE ARE? 🔴⚪🔵
SKILLSUSA!