SOWELA Technical Community College Receives $225,000 from ExxonMobil
Sep 12, 2025 03:24PM ● By Kelsey Swire
Pictured, from left to right, Exxon Mobil Low Carbon Solutions Business Manager Justin Carr, SOWELA Oakdale Site Coordinator Magan Soileau, SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall, Exxon Mobil Pipeline Public and Government Affairs Manager Mike Butler.
Officials from SOWELA Technical Community College announced a $225,000 donation from ExxonMobil, marking the largest investment in a SOWELA rural site to date. The donation to SOWELA will be used to launch a second cutting-edge STEM Energy Camp for Southwest Louisiana K-12 educators in Summer 2026 after a successful pilot camp in partnership with Allen Parish School Board this past summer.
In addition to the energy-themed intensive, the donation will be used to transform SOWELA Oakdale’s multipurpose room into a modern, technology-enhanced space designed to foster innovation, collaboration and hands-on learning.
"One of the keys to SOWELA's success is the strength of our business and industry partnerships," said SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall. "These partnerships help provide the resources the College needs to ensure our students achieve their higher educational goals and successful entry into the workforce. We greatly appreciate ExxonMobil's support of our Oakdale site, allowing the College to continue achieving our workforce development mission in Southwest Louisiana."
The STEM Energy camp will provide 40 rural Southwest Louisiana K-12 educators with a unique professional development opportunity. Funds will cover a one-of-a-kind, transformative educational experience inspired by project-based learning. Each participant will complete a project as if they were a student, learn about what makes the topic engaging to students and build a project or lesson for their classroom or school. Educators walk away with enhanced leadership skills and a wider professional network.
“We’re proud to support SOWELA and the Oakdale community,” said Justin Carr, CCUS asset manager at ExxonMobil. “This donation reflects our commitment to strengthening local parishes and creating meaningful learning and development opportunities for both teachers and students.”
The upgraded SOWELA Oakdale facility will feature advanced technology, flexible learning areas and expanded resources to help prepare students for high-demand careers. By modernizing this space, SOWELA continues its commitment to support workforce development and equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving economy.
The new space will be used for technical training, community and student events and career development programs.
Currently, the SOWELA Oakdale site offers five face-to-face programs, including Business Administration, Industrial Electrical, Industrial Instrumentation, Practical Nursing and Welding, and online programs in Culinary Arts and Criminal Justice. It serves 130 students in Allen Parish.