Southern University partners with Mayor, Baton Rouge institutions in launching Capital Area Promise initiative

Press release courtesy of Louisiana State University

On Thursday, leaders of Baton Rouge’s four largest education institutions gathered to announce the launching of a new initiative to create more college and career pathways for students in the city and surrounding communities. The “Capital Area Promise” will connect several existing programs from each institution for a more cohesive impact on the Greater Baton Rouge area.

"This promise provides a declaration that higher education is achieveable for everyone," said Ray L. Belton, president-chancellor of the Southern University System, at the launch press conference. "We want our young people to gain sustainable careers that will be competitive and align with the workforce needs of this state."

The Capital Area Promise will be guided by five elements: promoting early childhood education, college tours for all middle school students, summer internships for youth, a pledge by students and parents, and guaranteed admission to a post-secondary or technical education.

To fulfill these goals, the institutions have collaboratively agreed to ten (10) strategies including increase the percentage of high school students with dual enrollment credits, increase the number of postsecondary degrees and technical certificates, reduce barriers for college affordability, and expand teacher preparation programs.

The Promise is modeled from the Long Beach College Promise, launched by Alexander in 2008, while president at California State University Long Beach. 

“We are ecstatic to partner with our local universities and public school system to help develop a workforce for the future,” said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “I look forward to coming together to leverage existing programs in our community to develop innovative partnerships that drive positive changes for the future of Baton Rouge.”