Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 10880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           985-549-2341/fax 985-549-2061
    Date: 04/02/02
      Contact:                           Angey Saucier   88
         
Editors: Please note local interest
SLU HOLDS HEARING FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN LAKE
CHARLES APRIL 11
     HAMMOND   Southeastern Louisiana University's Department of Industrial
Technology will hold a public hearing on the needs of the construction-related industry from 4 to
6 p.m. April 11 at the Skills USA VICA Competition at the Louisiana Technical College in Lake
Charles.
     The hearing will be in the multi-purpose room of Building 7 Computer Center, 3820 Sen.
J Bennett Johnson Ave.
     The information gathered from the hearing will be used to develop standards and
industry-based certifications. The input and expertise from employers and professional in the
industry will provide the data necessary to objectively measure the needs of the industry, said
James Owens, head of Southeastern's industrial technology department.
     Southeastern in holding the hearing in conjunction with a $91,351 Perkins III Leadership
Grant from the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. The grant supports
Construction Connections, a program at Southeastern linking students from Tangipahoa and
Baton Rouge school systems with the construction industry. 
     The last of five hearing dates is May 8 from 4-6 p.m. at the Elaine P. Nunez Community
College general auditorium, 3710 Paris Rd., Chalmette
     Construction Connections is a three-part program designed to prepare high school juniors
and seniors for construction opportunities through a summer program. In addition to a traditional
study program, students will have the opportunities to participate in apprenticeships and post-
secondary training. Upon completion of the program, students will be  awarded half a unit of
high school credit and could also earn college credit.  
     The program will host 30 students at Southeastern and Louisiana Technical College in
June and July.
     For more information on the hearings, contact the Southeastern industrial technology
department at 985-549-2189. Information on the April 11 hearing may also be obtained by
calling 337-491-2698.
 
                             -SLU-
Press release available online at www.selu.edu/news/spring02.html