Southwestern Energy (SWN), one of Louisiana’s largest natural gas producers, has pledged $75,000 to the BPCC Foundation over three (3) years to provide scholarship awards within the Division of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics at Bossier Parish Community College. The scholarship awards are designed to prepare students for successful careers in energy industry-related occupations.

This Fall 2023 semester, a total of $14,000 was awarded to 9 incoming students to cover portions of tuition and program costs. The $75,000 total gift is part of SWN’s $300,000 donation to the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) announced in late 2022.

Scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in the following programs of study at BPCC: Oil and Gas Technology, Process Technology Concentration (AAS); Oil and Gas Technology, Production Technology concentration (AAS); Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics (CTS); Industrial Engineering Technology, Automation and Controls concentration (AAS); or other BPCC programs in program areas aligned with Donor’s workforce priorities and objectives. Scholarships are awarded to students like Oliver Nichols, an AAS Industrial Engineering Technology major.

“It means so much to me to be able to continue going to school and prepare to give back to my community. I am going to be graduating in one year, and this money is really going to help in that endeavor,” said Nichols, current BPCC student and SWN scholarship recipient. “I’m very excited to put back into my community once I graduate,” Nichols continued. Nichols was also the recipient of a SWN scholarship award in the Spring 2023 semester.

SWN’s Louisiana education investment builds on the company’s commitment to education and workforce development initiatives across the state. The three-year partnership with LCTCS aids skilled and post-secondary education access as well as post-graduation career placement in the system, including Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC), and SOWELA Technical Community College (SOWELA).

“Our commitment to hiring locally is core to Southwestern Energy’s recruiting strategy, and we believe investing in critical technical college and training programs is the first step to meeting the industry’s workforce needs in Louisiana,” said Sean Burke, SWN’s Haynesville Area Director. “Since entering the Haynesville in 2021, we have prioritized supporting organizations that make a meaningful impact in the communities where we work. BPCC and the LCTCS system as a whole have been great partners, and we look forward to helping more Louisianians access these critical career training opportunities.”