ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- The St. Landry Parish School Board's mission to impact the lives of not only students but the community as a whole continues, thanks to a partnership with Grand Canyon University (GCU).

Personnel Recruitment Coordinator, Dr. Nicole Morrison said she and the school board's HR Director toured the Arizona based University back in November to discuss what GCU was doing to help school districts and address the ongoing teacher shortage.

Through their discussions, the school district and the university agreed to partner and offer discounted scholarship opportunities not only for students, but for staff members and even parents.

Dr. Nicole Morrison said, "A discounted tuition from 5% up to 32%, depending on the program and where you are. Our employees do get a little bit more of a break in tuition. Partnering with Grand Canyon allows that there is a tuition cap, where your tuition will not increase as long as this partnership exists."

Milton Batiste III, St. Landry Parish Superintendent, told News 10, "What I really like about it is the pipeline that it provides with paraprofessionals. So again, we have paraprofessionals there in the classroom every day. So, this gives them an opportunity to receive their bachelor's degree. So, they come out as certified teachers."

Superintendent Batiste said the most fulfilling part of the partnership is the opportunity presents for the community to continue education.

"I think especially in our community in particular, you know, you see families, and it doesn't get Byronic after high school." Batiste said. "You know, life happens. I think it's phenomenal that, you know, they have a chance to you wherever you start, you need a chance to pick up and continue finishing and put in education. And of course, you know, we're an educational institution who now partnered to encourage a higher ed. That's phenomenal."

For degree plans and opportunities visit Grand Canyon University's Website.

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