(Source: Kansas City Southern press release, August 24, 2021)
SHREVEPORT, La. — Kansas City Southern (KCS) announced a partnership with Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) for the railroad company’s Skilled Trade Women’s Scholarship Program. The scholarships will fund the education, training and skills improvement of three women pursuing Diesel, Electrician, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technician or Welding careers. Today, KCS awarded the first scholarship to Leah Nichole Ellis who participates in the Welding Program at NLTCC.
“The goal of this scholarship program is to increase awareness of the excellent job opportunities and increased economic stability available to women who work in a skilled trade profession,” said KCS Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Lora Cheatum. “If you want to grow professionally and know that you are making a meaningful contribution to the global economy, this scholarship opportunity is a great first step toward a rewarding career.”
“NLTCC is singularly focused on helping students achieve their educational and career objectives,” said NLTCC Associate Vice-Chancellor Workforce Partnerships Gerald Joshua. “The railroad is an important employer in northwest Louisiana, and we are pleased to partner with KCS to bring this incredible opportunity to three deserving women.”
Once awarded, the scholarship will continue for up to two years as long as the student remains enrolled in one of the three approved skilled trade programs and maintains a 2.75 grade point average. KCS will provide NLTCC with $1,500 per scholarship recipient per semester to be applied to educational costs in accordance with award guidelines.
Women interested in pursuing a Diesel, Electrician, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technician or Welding career are encouraged to visit www.nltcc.edu to learn more about the scholarship and how to apply. Three scholarships will be awarded for the Fall 2021 semester. NLTCC serves the nine parishes of the northwest Louisiana region with campuses in Mansfield, Minden and Shreveport.