The Louisiana Community and Technical College System Foundation recognized the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office at the 2025 LCTCS Impact Awards Gala in New Orleans on Wednesday, September 24. LPSO was honored with the Joe D. May Public Policy Award for its groundbreaking re-entry welding program, developed in partnership with South Louisiana Community College.

Since 2017, LPSO has led a transformative effort to prepare incarcerated individuals for meaningful careers through industry-based welding credentials. In partnership with SoLAcc, the program has produced extraordinary results, including a 98% completion rate, 97% job placement rate upon re-entry, and more than 70 graduates—many of whom are now supporting their families and contributing to Louisiana’s economy.

“The Lafayette Par

See Full Page