One Acadiana has been awarded a FAME Catalyst Grant from The Manufacturing Institute, positioning the organization to launch an Acadiana chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education and strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline.
FAME, founded by Toyota and managed by The Manufacturing Institute, offers earn-and-learn apprenticeship programs to train the next generation of manufacturing talent. The Catalyst Grants provide $50,000 in early-stage support to fund staff time and travel involved in starting a chapter. One Acadiana is one of only six inaugural grant recipients selected nationwide.
“As manufacturing investment continues to accelerate across our region, the need for a highly skilled workforce becomes increasingly critical for long-term success and competitiveness,” said One Acadiana President & CEO Troy Wayman. “The FAME model provides a proven framework for developing the talent pipeline manufacturers need, and we’re proud to have been selected to bring this nationally recognized program to Acadiana.”
Once launched, participants will work at least 24 hours per week with a sponsoring manufacturer while attending classes at South Louisiana Community College two days per week, studying high-demand areas such as robotics, electrical systems, fluid power, machining, and industrial troubleshooting. Graduates typically earn an associate degree with little to no student debt.
“This grant represents an important investment in the future workforce of Acadiana,” said Dr. Vincent June, Chancellor of South Louisiana Community College.
The first cohorts are expected to be selected for employment in spring 2027 and begin classes in fall 2027. Additional details will be unveiled during One Acadiana’s ConnectEd Update on August 27, 2026.
Manufacturing employers in the region interested in participating in the FAME program can contact Dr. Maggi Bienvenu, One Acadiana Director of Business & Education Connections at [email protected]. Get the full details.
