The Rapides Foundation
Cancer screening van to stop in Vernon Parish
The Cenla Medication Access Program’s cancer screening van will visit Leesville on Feb. 7-8. Screenings offered to Vernon Parish residents will include colorectal, breast and cervical cancers. Location: 1603 Boone St. The screening van is a partnership between The Rapides Foundation, CMAP and the Partners in Wellness Program at Feist-Weiller Cancer Center at LSU-Shreveport. Full article.
The Rapides Foundation invited to White House Event
The White House and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services invited The Rapides Foundation to a gathering on Improving Health Outcomes Through Faith-Based and Community Partnerships. The Rapides Foundation is the only entity in Louisiana and one of three health foundations from across the United States invited to attend. The common thread among those invited to the meeting is an appreciation for the creative role that faith-based and community-oriented health systems play in creating alignment among what are often scattered and disconnected health assets. Full article.
CART grads teach in Cenla schools
The first graduates of CART, a site-based teacher program that takes qualified college graduates and pays their tuition as they work toward an LSU Master of Natural Science degree, began teaching in CENLA schools. The Orchard Foundation administers the program, which is funded by The Rapides Foundation to help Cenla school districts with limited resources offer rigorous education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Full article.
Hadnot-Hayes Elementary to launch STEM program
Hadnot-Hayes Elementary School in Alexandria will implement a STEM program -- science, technology, engineering and math --at all grade levels. Educators will teach using new tools such as science kits and additional technology combined with more engaging activities. The program is funded through a grant from The Rapides Foundation and parallels a growing national effort to educate students in critical fields. Full article.
Rapides program offers financial perk for school-business partnerships
Marjorie Taylor, of The Orchard Foundation, is leading an effort to link businesses and schools. She indicated that there’s a wealth of opportunity in CENAL for new grads, as well as employers. The Cenla Word Ready Network initiative led to the establishment of technical and vocational courses in local high schools that will help students earn industry-based certifications, and companies providing financial support to establish a course in a school can get matching funds of up to $5,000 from The Rapides Foundation. Full article.
New program seeks to link education with workforce development
The Vernon Parish School District, in conjunction with The Rapides Foundation, will introduce the Cenla Work Ready Network to area business leaders Friday morning at the Pearl Creek Event Center in Leesville. Joe Rosier, CEO and president of The Rapides Foundation: “…The program is a two-pronged systemdesigned to link education and workforce development efforts and align them with regional economic needs. Full information.
Grace Christian wins Get Healthy Cenla Video Challenge
Grace Christian School of Alexandria won the $10,000 grand prize in the grand finale of The Rapides Foundation’s “Get Healthy Cenla Video Challenge.” The school’s 30-second video “Be Strange, Eat Healthy: the New Normal” won first place before a panel of expert judges. Full article. Watch videos.
Finale online for Get Healthy Cenla Video Challenge
The $10,000 winner of the Get Healthy Cenla Video Challenge will be announced Tuesday night, May 10. Watch the action live online to see the top 10 finalists compete for the grand prize. Full information.
10 chosen as video finalists
The Rapides Foundation's recently chose ten finalists for its Get Healthy Cenla Video Challenge. The groups will compete on May 10 at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center in downtown Alexandria. The finalists are Avoyelles High, Bolton High, Elizabeth High, Glenmora High, Grace Christian, LaSalle High, Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, Plainview High, Tioga High and Winnfield Senior High. Full article.
Funding for Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance off to 'solid start'
Before starting official fundraising efforts, the revamped Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance has raised more than $2 million. Private-sector investment commitment in the new CLEDA reached about $750,000 over a three-year period, most of that coming from people and businesses involved in the merger. The Rapides Foundation will match the funding, and the organization has about $750,000 in contracts and grants. Full article.
