The SOWELA Foundation recently received a $65,000 donation from Cheniere Energy to purchase new equipment and technology for the College’s industrial programs and to support student scholarships.
The enhancements help ensure programs continue to align with industry best practices, equipping students for the workforce upon graduation.
“One of the tenets of SOWELA’s success is the strong partnerships that the College has established with business and industry. One such partnership is with Cheniere, which has helped the College provide greater student support through scholarship opportunities as well as financial investments in equipment that mirror what the students will encounter in the LNG industry,” said SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall. “Cheniere has been a great supporter for many of our technical programs and many of their staff provide great technical expertise to the College by serving on our program advisory committees.”
Funding covers new lab equipment for the Process Technology program, test equipment for the Industrial Electrical program, new computers for analyzing chemical composition for the Chemical Laboratory program and vibration analysis test equipment for the Machine Tool program. The hands-on training that these resources offer is essential to students’ skill development and building their confidence in their chosen area.
“We are proud to support the next generation of leaders by contributing to the growth and development of SOWELA. This donation is a testament to our commitment to education and community, where we hope it empowers students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in their workforce readiness,” said Cheniere Training Manager Chad Dearien.
Each program helps students gain the necessary skills to be successful in industry-related occupations. Faculty members engage students with hands-on assignments and cutting-edge technology to help foster an effective learning environment. From pathway opportunities such as the 16-week Process Technology Fast Track program to the intricate labs of Industrial Electrical, Machine Tool and Chemical Laboratory sample analysis, SOWELA prepares students for high-demand, high-wage, fulfilling careers.
“At SOWELA, we are deeply grateful for Cheniere’s generous $65,000 donation to our School of Industrial Technology and School of Transportation and Applied Technology. This partnership allows us to equip our students with the tools and training they need to succeed in their careers from day one. It’s about more than just equipment—it’s about opening doors for students who might otherwise struggle to access an education that leads to a living wage,” said SOWELA Dean Rob Null. “Cheniere’s investment is a testament to the industry’s dedication to supporting our community and ensuring that our citizens are prepared for high-demand jobs. Their commitment enables us to keep tuition costs affordable and makes quality education accessible to everyone in Southwest Louisiana.”
For more information on how to apply to the Cheniere scholarships and others, visit www.sowela.edu/scholarships. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required, and all SOWELA students are encouraged to complete a SOWELA Foundation scholarship application by the priority date of April 1 for the Fall 2025 semester.
The College is accepting applications, and Summer and Fall 2025 registration begins Monday, Mar. 31.
For more information about SOWELA’s industrial programs, visit www.sowela.edu/apply or contact onestop@sowela.edu to set up a tour.