LAFAYETTE, La. — A partnership between South Louisiana Community College and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office is giving those who are incarcerated a chance to rebuild their lives through skilled trade training — even transforming a welding program that began in a simple trailer and has expanded into a 10-bay facility.

The initiative provides inmates with hands-on welding education and a path toward success after release. Officials say the goal is to help participants invest in their future — and in their community.

“It was an idea of a program that we can get these men a chance at buying into what I call ‘the societal contract,’” said Sheriff Mark Garber. “Instead of just, ‘Okay, you’re out of prison, now you’ve served your sentence, good luck to you,’ we can actually give them a pa

See Full Page