Two of Louisiana’s historically black colleges have recently joined forces with the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association (LMOGA) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) to launch a new educational partnership in support of workforce development and diversity.

Both LMOGA and API’s Minority Serving Institution (MSI) are now working with Louisiana-based Southern and Grambling State Universities in their ongoing effort to increase access to the oil and gas industry’s best-in-class standards and better prepare the incoming industry workforce. The partnership with these two historical universities is just one example of industry making strides to diversify and lead the pack in preparing the future energy workforce.

Louisiana lawmakers have also taken notice of the partnership. Grambling State University alumnus and Louisiana State Senator Ed Price (D-District 2) said, “Making the API standards available to the engineering department at no cost truly ensures that the next generation of oilfield workers are properly equipped to have a safe and prosperous energy career. I look forward to continuing to work with the oil and natural gas industry to build a bright future for all Louisianans.”

Southern University alumnus and Louisiana State Representative Ken Brass (D-District 58) said, “This partnership between API and both universities will provide our students with an additional resource that can be used to enhance their technical knowledge and prepare them as they move into their careers in engineering.”

GSU and Southern University students – and their communities – will inevitably benefit from these programs, which have been designed to equip students with the skills necessary to enter the workforce and have a successful career in the oil and gas industry.

To read more about the announcement, click here.