SOWELA Announces "Next Start" Initiative for New and Current Students
Sep 15, 2026 02:38PM ● By Kelsey Swire
Deadline to register for Next Start is Friday, October 2
SOWELA Technical Community College is now registering currently enrolled and prospective students in its “Next Start” initiative. “Next Start” allows current students to add another course to their Fall 2026 schedule or for new students to sign up for Fall classes. Enrollment for the Next Start option is open now and will end on Friday, October 2.
SOWELA Technical Community College is now registering currently enrolled and prospective students in its “Next Start” initiative. “Next Start” allows current students to add another course to their Fall 2026 schedule or for new students to sign up for Fall classes. Enrollment for the Next Start option is open now and will end on Friday, October 2.
Next Start classes cover topics in criminal justice, history, English, business and more and last eight weeks. Interested students can visit www.sowela.edu/next-start for more information or to sign up. Next Start classes are available online.
"Next Start provides students with an additional opportunity to begin or continue their college journey without having to wait until the next semester," said Allison Dering, Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at SOWELA. "Whether someone is looking to ease back into college, earn credits toward a degree or gain new skills for the workforce, these flexible eight-week courses help students take the next step toward their goals."
SOWELA offers more than 30 technical and academic programs including business administration, culinary arts, criminal justice, surgical technology, accounting and drafting and design.
For nine consecutive years, SOWELA has been named Louisiana’s top community college by Niche and WalletHub. SOWELA graduates also rank first in the region and third statewide for highest median salaries, reinforcing the College’s commitment to workforce development, student success and economic impact throughout Louisiana.
For more information or to apply online, visit www.sowela.edu/apply. Anyone needing additional assistance can contact the One Stop Enrollment Office at (337) 421-6550 or [email protected].