Postsecondary Inclusive Education Advisory Council Approves Funding Distribution to Expand Inclusive Campus Programs

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Postsecondary Inclusive Education Advisory Council (PIEAC) has adopted the distribution of funds provided by the Legislature to strengthen and expand inclusive postsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities across Louisiana.

The Council unanimously approved the up-to-$2M Postsecondary Inclusion Fund budget allocation following a motion by Mitch Dillon, a graduate of Nicholls State University’s Bridge to Independence program, a success story, and an active member of the Council. This distribution will offer multi-year support for the creation, operation, and expansion of Comprehensive Transition Programs, provide technical assistance to campuses, and strengthen statewide resources that help students access meaningful educational opportunities to gain life and work skills that prepare them for long-term success.

“What an exciting day! This action represents a significant step forward for students, families, and institutions across Louisiana,” said Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed. “Inclusive postsecondary education opens doors to learning, independence, employment, and belonging. We are so grateful to the Legislature for recognizing the importance of this work and supporting this investment. The leadership of authors Rep. Neil Riser and Sen. Stewart Cathey, along with champions Senators Franklin Foil and Gerald Boudreaux, will help more students reach their goals and contribute their talents to our communities and workforce.”

In 2025, the Louisiana Legislature passed Act 298, which dedicates 3% of online sports wagering tax revenue to the Louisiana Postsecondary Inclusive Education Fund. Programs benefiting from this investment include:

1. The Program for Successful Employment, Baton Rouge Community College
2. Bridge Program, Bossier Parish Community College
3. Bridge to Independence, Nicholls State University
4. UL Life, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
5. Lions Connected, Southeastern Louisiana University
6. SPERO, Louisiana State University of Alexandria
7. Integrative Community Studies Program, Louisiana State University and A&M College
8. PRIME, McNeese State University
9. ACES, University of Louisiana at Monroe

All awarded institutions will submit budgets and action plans detailing the specific expected use of the funds, which will be reported annually to the Legislature.

“We passed this legislation to ensure sports wagering revenues are reinvested in Louisiana students,” said bill author State Rep. Neil Riser. “From expanding inclusive postsecondary for students with intellectual disabilities to strengthening college athletics, this investment opens doors, creates opportunity, and helps build a stronger future for our state.”

During the July 1^st PIEAC meeting, council members also celebrated progress across institutions, received campus updates from Baton Rouge Community College and Bossier Parish Community College, and explored statewide tools and resources to support institutions’ programs and participating students.

The meeting concluded with an uplifting statewide video highlighting the benefits of postsecondary inclusive programs to participating students across the state.  Through thoughtful collaboration and a shared commitment to inclusion, PIEAC continues to build momentum toward a more accessible and equitable future for higher education in Louisiana.