Bridge to Independence Learning Lab to be Renovated and Renamed

THIBODAUX, La. - Jeannette Guillory Thomason donated $500,000 to the Nicholls Foundation for naming rights to the Bridge to Independence Independent Learning Lab, now known as the Bridge to Independence H. Allen Thomason Independent Learning Lab in honor of her late husband Hebert "Allen" Thomason. This donation is part of a $1M project to renovate Nicholls' Bridge to Independence Academic Center and the Independent Learning Lab facilities.

"When I learned about the Bridge to Independence program at Nicholls State University, I knew I wanted to support it. It is so wonderful to have a program that teaches certificate students the life skills they need to help them be productive members of society," said Thomason.

Students with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder have the opportunity to enjoy the full college experience while gaining the leadership and social skills needed for future employment and independent living through the Nicholls Bridge to Independence program, the first program of its kind in Louisiana certified by the US Department of Education.

Bridge to Independenceprovides the support services needed for eligible students to attend regular Nicholls classes, participate in campus events and activities and join campus organizations. The program offers two pathways, a certificate pathway for independent living and workforce skills and a support pathway for students accepted to the university working on a traditional college degree. Along the way, peer mentors trained in Nicholls College of Education and Behavioral Scienceswill assist Bridge students with their coursework and socialization.

The Nicholls Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 corporation, exists to support the mission of Nicholls State University by seeking gifts and grants and by managing those funds and other assets to support Nicholls through endowed chairs, professorships, scholarships and other enhancement efforts. To learn more about donating to Nicholls, visit nichollsfoundation.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 8, 2024

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