Governor's Office of Strategic Community Initiatives

The Governor’s Office of Strategic Community Initiatives connects Louisianans to opportunities that addresses education, workforce readiness, holistic health, mental health, homelessness, violence prevention and overall community resilience through programs, initiatives, and partnerships with local, state, federal, and nonprofit stakeholders.

Mission

The Governor’s Office of Strategic Community Initiatives connects Louisianans to opportunities that addresses education, workforce readiness, holistic health, mental health, homelessness, violence prevention and overall community resilience through programs, initiatives, and partnerships with local, state, federal, and nonprofit stakeholders.

Vision

The Governor’s Office of Strategic Community Initiatives is dedicated to empowering, educating, and supporting all constituents in realizing their full potential.

Meet the Council Members

The Honorable Senator Edward J. Price, Member of Louisiana State Senate
The Honorable Senator Jimmy Harris, Member of Louisiana State Senate
The Honorable Representative Edmond Jordan, Member of Louisiana House of Representative
The Honorable Representative Terry Landry, Member of Louisiana House of Representative
Rev. Matthew Alfred Jr., Member of Religious Community
Rev. Shelton Charles Dixon, Member of Religious Community
Kelvin Jenkins, Louisiana Department of Health Designee
Gary Franklin, Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Designee
Vacant, Louisiana Department of Education Designee
Renee Delouche, Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Designee

Dr. Shayla Polk, LCSW, Office of the Governor
Marcus Thomas, Office of the Governor
Kenny Lynch, Louisiana Workforce Commission Designee
Angelic S. Keller, Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice Designee
David Augstine, Jr., Representative from Community Organizations
Roy Williams, III, Representative from Community Organizations
Winton Anderson, Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Adarian D. Williams, Grambling State University
Terence Blanchard II, Dillard University
Rasheed J. Atwater, Xavier University
Verge Ausberry, Louisiana State University

Cedric Richmond Scholarship Program

The Office of the Governor’s Office of Strategic Community Initiatives’ “Cedric Richmond Scholarship Program” provides scholarship awards to students from Louisiana who exhibit a commitment to their education and demonstrate a strong financial need. This scholarship is available to eligible individuals who attend a public postsecondary college or institution in Louisiana. Awarded scholarship funds are directly sent to the institution listed in the scholarship applicationare sent directly to the college/university/institute that’s listed in the student’s application. For additional questions, refer to the frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ) document.

Applications will be reviewed on a competitive basis and selections will be based on the following:

Academics (GPA): Minimum Curriculum Overall GPA or 2.50.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicant must be a Louisiana resident
Applicant must be accepted or currently attending one of Louisiana's public colleges/universities.
Applicant must currently be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student.

Applicant Check List:

Completed and signed scholarship application.
One letter of recommendation.
A headshot
An essay
Copy of resume
Copy of most recent unofficial or official transcript (if it is your first semster, include your highschool transcript).

Review Our Frequently Asked Questions

Driving Louisiana Forward Program

Commerical Driver's License (CDL) Training

In partnership with the Louisiana Workforce Commission and South Louisiana Community College, this program aims to provide African American males with financial assistance to obtain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training, strengthening the resilience and contributions of this key demographic and improving equitable access to workforce opportunities. This initiative aims to reduce high unemployment rates within this community but also focuses on ensuring participants come from rural and economically disadvantaged areas.

Earn your CDL Class A license with this comprehensive classroom and behind-the-wheel program to drive tractor[1]trailers, dump trucks, tow trucks, delivery trucks, tanker trucks, and flatbed trucks.

Visit WWW.SOLACC.EDU/CDL or dial (337) 521-9028 for more information.

“Empowering Pathways, Driving Opportunities”

-Office of the Governor’s Success Council

Homelessness Resource

Louisiana is supported by seven Continuums of Care (CoCs), which collaboratively coordinate services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please visit https://laboscoc.org/housing-and-services to access information on connecting with local resources through the Coordinated Entry system.

Louisiana 988: Help & Hope are Here

Louisiana 988 is a free and confidential helpline offering immediate emotional support to anyone in need. Whether you are feeling stress, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, or need someone to talk to, 988 is here to help 24/7. If you or someone you know needs emotional support, please reach out for help. To talk to a 988 specialist, call or text 988 or chat at Louisiana988.org

Please visit Louisiana988.orgto learn moreand access Louisiana 988 resources. Click on Media Resources at the bottom of the page for brand logos, Zoom backgrounds, campaign ads, FAQs and 988 fact sheets; Partner Resources for a 988 materials generator; orWhat to Expect to see a video of testimonials from 988 helpline specialists.

Learn more about Louisiana 988 and mental health in Louisiana at ldh.la.gov/988.

Contact Us

Phone: 225-342-6160

Email: SuccessCouncil@LA.GOV

Office of the Governor
Louisiana State Capitol
900 N. Third St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70804