by Hanna Singh
JPMorgan Chase celebrated the opening of the new Ruston Operations Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Thursday, recognizing the company’s expansion into the area and a large investment in local workforce development.
During the event, the company presented a $20,000 grant to the Lincoln Parish School Board to support the district’s Summer Jumpstart Program, highlighting a commitment to growing educational opportunities Lincoln Parish and Northeast Louisiana.
The grant, presented to LPSB Superintendent Ricky Durrett, will be used to purchase tools and equipment for the parish’s welding program. By helping expand the program, the funding will give more students access to hands-on training in a valuable trade, preparing them for career opportunities and helping meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the local workforce.
Durrett emphasized the partnership will benefit the school system and provide more opportunities for Lincoln Parish students.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to partner with Chase. We’re always looking for more opportunities to give kids more training during the Summer JumpStart program,” Durrett said. “This grant will provide some equipment for the student’s testing to get some credentials that will prepare them to leave high school with opportunities to work in certain fields. Welding is one of the things we are really pushing with this grant. It’s a great opportunity to help our kids out and keep pushing the district forward.”
While investing in the success and growth of Northeast Louisiana, Chase has made an effort to also invest in the talent and skills of the next generation. Through the grant, the organization hopes to provide students with the tools and confidence to find jobs and build successful careers in the Lincoln Parish area.
Tania Hilburn, Managing Director and Site Lead for Chase Home Lending in Monroe and Ruston, explained the intention behind the partnership grant and how it will benefit the workforce.
“The grant will continue to develop of our local workforce for jobs that are in demand in our region,” Hilburn said. “Welding is a trade that is in demand and with a strong salary.
“As someone who calls North Louisiana home, it’s wonderful to open our doors in Ruston and see Chase deepen its roots here. Our growth goes hand-in-hand with Ruston’s growth. Chase’s new center gives us the room to expand our operations, create new career opportunities and continue building on the strong foundation we’ve established in the North Louisiana community.”
With the intention of developing the Northeast Louisiana and Lincoln Parish community and workforce, Chase is working to provide more career opportunities for the youth of tomorrow. By supporting the Summer Jumpstart program, the grant will expand educational opportunities for students hoping to enter the workforce post-graduation.
The Lincoln Parish JumpStart program offers a variety of trade pathways for students to earn industry-based credentials and gain work experience during high school. The program includes courses in areas such as welding, carpentry, principles of business and more.
Sean Grzebin, Chief Executive Officer of Chase Home Lending, highlighted why Chase chose to make the investment into the educational program.
“The JumpStart program helps students prepare for real world careers by providing hands-on training and career readiness opportunities, including skill-based programs like welding” Grzebin said. “Workforce development does not begin at hiring; it begins in the classroom. When education is prioritized, students gain exposure to practical skills and career pathways because of it. Programs like this reduce barriers to opportunity and give students access to instruction and experience that can lead directly to employment.”
