Official Louisiana State Websites use .la.gov 
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
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.
Vision
The Governor’s Office of Strategic Community Initiatives is dedicated to empowering, educating, and supporting all constituents in realizing their full potential.
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.
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 provides financial awards to Louisiana students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and Louisiana residents with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors graduating in the spring, as well as undergraduate, graduate, and professional students enrolled full-time at one of Louisiana’s public colleges or universities.
Applications will be reviewed on a competitive basis and selections will be based on the following:
Award Amount: $1,200
Application Opens: October 1, 2026
Application Closes: December 31, 2026
Recipients Notified: January 2027
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academics (GPA): Minimum Curriculum Overall GPA of 2.75.
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a Lousiana resident
- Be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student at any college or university in Louisiana
- Be a current high school senior graduating in the spring
Applicant Check List:
- Completed and signed scholarship application.
- One letter of recommendation.
- A headshot
- An essay
- Copy of resume
- Copy of College/Univeristy transcript
- Highschool Transcript for current high school seniors
Frequently Aksed Questions
The Cedric Richmond Scholarship Program, offered by the Governor’s Success Council under the Office of Strategic Community Initiatives, provides scholarship awards to eligible individuals who demonstrate a commitment to their education and financial needs.
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Be a Louisiana resident
- Be accepted or currently enrolled full-time as an undergraduate or graduate student at one of Louisiana’s public colleges or universities
- Be a current 12th-grade student graduating in Spring 2027 and planning to enroll full-time at any Louisiana college or university.
- Possess a minimum grade point average of 2.75 or more.
The application will consider the following financial factors:
- The applicant’s current economic status
- The cost of attending the institution
- The applicant’s campus and community involvement
- Any indicators provided in the student essay
- A completed and signed scholarship application
- One letter of recommendation from a mentor, pastor, professor, supervisor, or community leader
(immediate family members are not eligible to write letters of recommendation) - A headshot (A headshot is a clear photo of you only, showing your face and upper body. Please do not submit group photos or photos that include other people, pets, or other distractions.)
- A Resume (High school, college, and professional resumes are accepted.)
- A copy of your most recent official or unofficial transcript
- For first time/incoming Freshman, include your high school transcript
Recommended: If you are currently enrolled as a freshman, include a copy of your class schedule and a copy of your high school transcript.
- For first time/incoming Freshman, include your high school transcript
Essays must be the applicant’ s own original work. Using AI tools for minor editing or grammar correction is acceptable; however, essays generated entirely by AI or written by someone else are prohibited and will result in disqualification.
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 Strategic Community Initiatives
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