Following years of steady growth, SOWELA Technical Community College saw an explosive 21 percent increase in enrollment between 2012 to 2013 as more students flocked to the institution for coursework and training in high-demand fields. The Southwest Louisiana economy has boomed recently—particularly in aerospace, advanced manufacturing and energy—and SOWELA has responded with relevant curriculum programs and strong industry partnerships. Act 360 includes two key projects, which supports the SOWELA expansion to meet demands.

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One of the projects is a proposed Student Union Building at the Lake Charles main campus, which will serve as a one-stop-shop, offering all programs and services related to student affairs, including admissions, records, registration, financial aid, advising, testing, counseling and more. The one-stop-shop facility will serve as the hub of community life on campus and will feature a cafeteria, a health/wellness/recreation area, a bookstore, SGA offices, remedial support and other services that foster student success.