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LCD expands interpreter mentoring program with Department of Education support
Summary
LCD reported an expanded interpreter mentoring program for FY26, selecting 20 of 32 applicants and increasing mentor capacity. Interpreter Program Manager Jasmine Lamar said the pilot spent about $29,612 and the FY26 projected cost is $90,598; the Department of Education pledged $25,000 per year for three years for the program.
Interpreter Program Manager Jasmine Lamar told the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) the agency has expanded a pilot mentoring program for interpreters to include both K‑12 educational interpreters and pre‑certified community interpreters.
"We had 8 participants" in the FY25 pilot, Lamar said, with three mentors and targeted support for K‑12 settings. For FY26, Lamar said the program received 32 applicants and selected 20; the program also added five new mentors and one returning mentor.
Lamar said the commission partnered with Idaho State University on a separate project, Promoting Equity Healthcare for Interpreters (PEHI), which enrolled three participants in FY25. She also announced a Department of Education commitment of $25,000 per year for three years to support the mentorship program with a minimum of 10 participants per year and a requirement that at least four participants be in K‑12 cycles.
On costs, Lamar said the pilot year was budgeted at $42,149 but actual spending was $29,612.04. She corrected a typo on the packet and said the FY26 projection is $90,598 to cover six mentors and 20 participants.
Commissioner Leslie Knowles asked about selection criteria and completion measures. Lamar described language screening reviewed by qualified raters, review of application materials (years of experience and settings), and goals-based selection. Completion is tracked by a "good standing" requirement — participation in coaching sessions and other activities throughout the year — and the program uses pre‑ and post‑assessments.
Why it matters: The program intends to grow the interpreter workforce in education and health settings, improving access for Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing Louisianans.
What’s next: The commission will monitor program enrollment and expenditures as FY26 proceeds; Lamar said staff will continue to provide updates and data to the board.
