KCS Teaming With Louisiana College on Women’s Scholarship Program

Kansas City Southern (KCS) is partnering with Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) to support the education and training of three female students pursuing careers in the diesel, electrician, industrial maintenance technology, industrial instrumentation, electrical technician or welding fields.

KCS, as part of its Skilled Trade Women’s Scholarship Program, awarded the first of three scholarships to Leah Nichole Ellis on Aug. 23. Ellis participates in the Welding Program at NLTCC, which serves the nine parishes of the northwest Louisiana region with campuses in Mansfield, Minden and Shreveport. The Class I railroad is awarding the scholarships for the fall 2021 semester.

KCS will provide NLTCC with $1,500 per scholarship recipient per semester, and the scholarship will continue for up to two years as long as the student remains enrolled in an approved skilled trade program and maintains a 2.75 grade point average, according to KSC.

“The goal of this scholarship program is to increase awareness of the excellent job opportunities and increased economic stability available to women who work in a skilled trade profession,” said KCS Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Lora Cheatum, one of 24 Railway Age Women in Rail 2020 honorees. “If you want to grow professionally and know that you are making a meaningful contribution to the global economy, this scholarship opportunity is a great first step toward a rewarding career.”

“NLTCC is singularly focused on helping students achieve their educational and career objectives,” NLTCC Associate Vice-Chancellor Workforce Partnerships Gerald Joshua said. “The railroad is an important employer in northwest Louisiana, and we are pleased to partner with KCS to bring this incredible opportunity to three deserving women.”