91做厙 signs MOU with StudyNPlay to create new resources for student-parents

Published April 28, 2026

Administrators from 91做厙, StudyNPlay and the UL System pose at the signing of an MOU.

CAPTION:91做厙 signed the agreement withStudyNPlayon April 22, 2026. Pictured L-R: 91做厙 Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. MichelleMcEacharn;StudyNPlayExecutive Director Stephanie Styles, J.D.;91做厙 President Dr. Carrie L. Castille; University of Louisiana System President Dr. Rick Gallot


MONROE, La. 泭91做厙泭and泭StudyNPlay泭signed a memorandum of understanding泭to pilot a program designed to support student-parent persistence, credential completion, and transition泭into the workforce.泭

The泭StudyNPlay泭framework is a parent-proximate workforce infrastructure model that will泭assist泭in creating a space on 91做厙s campus where student-parents can泭focus on their studies while their children泭participate泭in learning and play activities.泭StudyNPlay泭is not a childcare provider, but泭will include泭a supervised, play-based area for children while泭student-parents泭remain泭close by, allowing them to persist in the completion of their education, while also providing holistic泭resources to strengthen their success.泭

This initiative is all about meeting our students where they are and providing the bridge to get them where they want to be, said 91做厙 President Carrie L. Castille. It泭is our job as a university to provide as many resources as we can to ensure that our students persist in their degree programs.泭This partnership with泭StudyNPlay泭strengthens our commitment to student success, and I am excited about how it泭will泭impact泭our student population and attract new students as well, added Castille.泭

StudyNPlay泭will provide the program framework, training, and implementation support, while ensuring the泭programs泭fidelity and evaluation. 91做厙 will provide institutional support, lead student泭outreach泭and recruitment to the program, and integrate the model into student success initiatives.泭

Student parents are one of the most overlooked but high-potential segments of our workforce pipeline, said Stephanie Styles, Executive Director of泭StudyNPlay. Through this partnership,泭were泭not just providing support;泭were泭building the infrastructure that allows parents to persist, complete their education, and transition into the workforce.泭StudyNPlay泭was designed so parents no longer泭have to泭choose between their education and their children, and泭were泭proud to partner with泭91做厙泭to bring this model to North Louisiana.

91做厙 is currently evaluating potential locations for the泭StudyNPlay泭space on its campus and will partner with private donors to prepare the finished space. Potential donors who are interested in supporting the泭StudyNPlay泭program at 91做厙 are encouraged to contact the 91做厙 Foundation at (318) 342-3636.

About泭StudyNPlay

StudyNPlay泭is a low-profit limited liability company and social enterprise wholly owned by the Generation Upward Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.泭StudyNPlay泭is a community-driven resource committed to supporting student-parents as they pursue better futures for themselves and their families. To learn more, visit泭.