Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Youth Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears report from Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy seeking expanded funding
Summary
Presenters told the Lafouch Parish Council that the Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy received a record ~300 applications in 2025, funded 80 participants, and hopes to expand to 100 with additional local support; parish funding currently covers housing and meals at Nicholls for participants.
Dr. Laura Bado, president of the LFU Parish Commission for Women and executive director of the Louisiana Center for Women in Government and Business, and Kristen Anelme presented a 2025 report on the Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy (LGLA) during the council's Oct. 14 meeting. The presenters said the program, now in its 19th year, received roughly 300 applications for 80 funded spots in 2025 and is seeking additional sponsorships to expand capacity to about 100 participants for 2026.
Risa Stell Phillips, a freshman at the University of Louisiana and a multi-year participant, described the program's impact on participants' confidence and leadership skills. "LGLA is my home. It has given me my voice and my best friends," Stell Phillips said, urging continued parish support.
Presenters told the council that parish funds are used for participant housing and feeding during the program at Nicholls (listed in the packet) and that program outcomes include high college-matriculation rates among returning participants. Dr. Bado noted survey data and application-growth figures were provided in a packet to the council and thanked the parish for existing support.
Council members thanked the presenters. Councilman Lraine said the council currently shows $10,000 in the draft budget for the program and that he had requested more at his budget briefing; the presenters asked council members to help connect them with businesses and potential sponsors.
The presentation did not include a formal vote or ordinance requesting additional funds; council members were asked to consider funding during upcoming budget hearings.
