LAFAYETTE ­­– July 1 marked the merger of South Louisiana Community College and Acadiana Technical College. The merger was signed into law by Gov. Bobby Jindal following the recent legislative session.

“We are extremely appreciative of the efforts of Acadiana’s delegation in supporting the merger,” said Dr. Natalie Harder, SLCC chancellor.

The merger makes SLCC the third largest community college in the state.

Louisiana is following most other states in having comprehensive community colleges: those that offer technical programs and workforce training in addition to degree programs that transfer to four-year universities.

“This merger will give the college the ability to be more responsive to Acadiana. From students to business and industry to our four-year college partners, we will be more relevant, more efficient, and more effective in meeting their needs,” said Harder.

“The merged college will offer more than 40 programs and dozens of certificates, technical diplomas, and industry based certifications at all of its campuses,” she continued.

The college will also pursue additional dual enrollment opportunities in all parishes where campuses are located. Currently, SLCC has dual enrollment arrangements in all of Acadiana.

These programs include: Careers at Acadian Campus Promote Success (C.A.P.S.) in Acadia Parish; Pathways to Achievement at T.H. Harris (P.A.T.H.) in St. Landry Parish; Success at C.B. Coreil with Occupational Readiness for Education (S.C.O.R.E.) in Evangeline Parish; Seniors Technically Advancing with Gulf Area Education (S. T. A. G. E.) in Vermilion Parish; Teche Area Program for Seniors (T.A.P.S.) in Iberia Parish; and Tomorrow’s Adults Reaching Goals Through Evangeline Campus (T.A.R.G.E.T.) in St. Martin Parish. SLCC offers dual enrollment with Lafayette Parish’s David Thibodaux High School and the Early College Academy, which is housed at SLCC’s Lafayette campus.

With dual enrollment, high school students can earn college credit while in high school.

“We are excited to be pursuing additional dual enrollment opportunities in all the parishes we serve so that more high school students can take college courses and get a jumpstart on their college careers,” said Harder.

SLCC has campuses in Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Lafayette, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville, and Ville Platte.

More than 7,000 students attend classes at SLCC and ATC.

Degree offerings include care and development of young children, criminal justice, business technology, general studies, industrial technology, midwifery , teaching and emergency medical technology – paramedic.

Technical programs include air conditioning and refrigeration, automotive technology, aviation maintenance technology, business office administration, business office technology, care and development of young children, carpentry, civil, surveying and mapping, clinical laboratory assistant, clinical laboratory technician, collision repair technology, commercial vehicle operations, computer electronics technology, cosmetology, culinary arts and occupations, diesel-powered equipment technology, drafting and design technology, electrician, graphics, heavy equipment operator, industrial electronics technology, industrial/agriculture mechanics technology, information technology: computer network specialist and computer/networking support, machine tool technology, medical assistant, medication attendant certified, nondestructive testing technology, nurse assistant, patient care technician, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, practical nursing, surgical technology, welding and work keys skills upgrade.