Board unveils 'Momentum Moment' master plan progress: 52.5% attainment, 80,000 annual completers

The Board of Regents presented its six‑year master plan update, reporting that 52.5 percent of Louisiana adults now hold a credential beyond high school and that the state has produced about 350,000 new credential holders since 2019. Doctor Tristan Denley and staff said Louisiana is on track to meet the board’s 60 percent attainment goal by 2030 if current trends continue.

Denley summarized key indicators: 80,000 annual completers in the latest year (awarded credentials across public institutions and private/proprietary providers), and significant gains in dual enrollment—about 43,000 students participated in dual enrollment in the most recent academic year. Denley also highlighted workforce‑driven programs such as the MJ Foster initiative, which staff said has served more than 10,000 students and produced over 4,000 graduates; program completers saw average income gains cited by staff.

Denley framed the results as both an education and an economic story: staff estimated that the additional earnings from recently credentialed graduates represent tens of billions of dollars over working lifetimes and provide more than a multiplicative return on state investments. Board members and staff emphasized cross‑agency partnerships with workforce and economic development agencies and pointed to national recognition, including commentary that the state’s strategy has been cited by national leaders as a model.

The presentation was informational; board members commended staff and campus leaders for the progress and urged continued focus on student pathways, workforce alignment and sustaining momentum.