One Acadiana Awards $12,000 in Scholarships for Returning Students
One Acadiana’s Return to Learn Scholarship has awarded 12 students across Acadiana with $1,000 each to help them continue pursuing their education right here at home.
As the region’s leading economic development organization and Lafayette’s Chamber of Commerce, One Acadiana is focused on strengthening Acadiana’s workforce and business environment, according to a news release.
The Return to Learn Scholarship offers a valuable opportunity for local students to access the financial support needed to pursue a degree or certificate. Eligible students are those returning to post-secondary education institutions that are members or investors of One Acadiana. The scholarship is funded by generous donations from companies and individuals across the regional business community.
Recipients of One Acadiana’s 2025 Return to Learn Scholarship:
Academy of Interactive Entertainment
Mckinzie Donovan and Evan Blaine
Louisiana State University – Eunice
Mary Davis and Jessica Dumas
Remington College
Faith Reagan and Sherika Pitre
South Louisiana Community College
Trevor Cosse and Andrea Charles
Unitech Training Academy
Bayleigh Rayborn and Jeanetta Linden
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lenzie Buller and Haylee Holt
While many high school graduates receive funding and assistance as they enter their freshman year, fewer scholarship opportunities exist for students continuing their education. To address this, 1A’s Return to Learn Scholarship awards students who are returning to school, either for their last semester or after time away, to help them cross the finish line.
“When our students gain the credentials necessary to fill high-demand roles, our region thrives,” One Acadiana President and CEO Troy Wayman said. “This scholarship is a direct investment in our workforce by providing local students with the financial assistance needed to earn those credentials, setting them up for opportunity and success here in Acadiana.”