Nunez Community College receives $1 million donation for skilled trade education

Nunez Community College in Chalmette has received a $1 million donation to enhance and increase its technical training programs, one of the largest gifts in the school’s history. 

The Lowe’s Foundation, the private giving arm of the popular home improvement store, announced $8 million in gifts to 10 different community colleges Monday. At Nunez, the funds will be used to expand programs on its main campus and at a new temporary training site in Plaquemines Parish. The money will support new training spaces and equipment for the school’s electrical, construction and HVAC training programs. 

“This $1 million grant is an absolute game changer for our Plaquemines Parish expansion and our HVAC, electrical, carpentry and construction management programs,” said Adam Bourne, senior chair of career and technical education at Nunez. “It also allows us to increase capacity so every potential student has a chance to train for a great career in a high-wage, high-demand industry.”

Nunez is launching multiple new training programs this fall for construction, which is among the fastest-growing industries in Louisiana, including associates degrees in construction management and in construction leadership. 

The gift comes as Louisiana is increasing its investment in the community and technical college system as part of Gov. Jeff Landry’s emphasis on workforce training.