Venture Global received the Joe D. May Excellence in Public Policy Award at the LCTC Foundation’s 2026 Impact Awards Celebration in New Orleans. Nominated by Fletcher Technical Community College, the company was recognized for its investment in tuition-free workforce training through its Will to Skill initiative. Pictured from left are Joe May, former LCTC System president and the award’s namesake; Dr. Kristine Strickland, Fletcher chancellor; Charlie Burt, Venture Global senior manager of development; Garret Landry, Venture Global manager of development; and Richard Nelson, LCTC System president. (Photo provided by LCTC)
(Schriever, LA) – Venture Global LNG, Inc., nominated by Fletcher Technical Community College, received the Joe D. May Excellence in Public Policy Award during the LCTC Foundation’s 2026 Impact Awards Celebration on at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.
Held during the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges Annual Conference, the celebration recognized individuals, organizations and partners whose leadership and service strengthen education, workforce development and economic opportunity across Louisiana.
Fletcher’s nomination highlighted Venture Global’s investment in workforce education through its Will to Skill initiative. According to the nomination, the company has invested more than $1.5 million to provide free, industry-recognized workforce training to more than 600 Louisiana residents through partnerships with Fletcher and other community and technical colleges.
At Fletcher, the partnership supports tuition-free training for residents of Terrebonne, Lafourche and Assumption parishes. Venture Global provides funding, while Fletcher delivers training, experienced instructors, facilities and student support services. Both day and evening classes are offered to help working adults pursue new credentials while maintaining their current employment.
“Through our partnership with Venture Global, we have been able to remove financial barriers and give people the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their families,” said Fletcher Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland. “Dozens of students have gained valuable skills in welding, commercial driving and heavy equipment operations at no cost to them. Graduates can take those skills to employers throughout our region, extending the impact of this investment across our communities. We were proud to nominate Venture Global for this award and see their commitment recognized.”
Participants earn training and certifications without an obligation to work for Venture Global, allowing the initiative to support workforce needs across multiple employers and industries. Fletcher’s nomination emphasized this broader benefit, along with the company’s collaboration with colleges, local governments, workforce agencies and community stakeholders.
About Fletcher Technical Community College
Fletcher Technical Community College, a member of Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges is a vital educational resource serving the Bayou Region. The college offers associate degrees, technical diplomas, short-term workforce training, and free adult education programs such as high school equivalency preparation, digital literacy courses, and English language instruction. Fletcher is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that strengthens Louisiana’s workforce and supports the economic growth of South Louisiana. Visit www.fletcher.edu for more information.