.png)
Lacombe, LA—Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) entered a formal partnership with NextOp, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans and transitioning service members, to expand access to workforce training and career development opportunities.
On June 5, 2025, NTCC and NextOp signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which will ensure veterans and transitioning service members can connect with NTCC’s comprehensive training programs and credentials, while also extending NextOp’s tailored career services to veteran students at NTCC.
“Northshore Technical Community College is proud to join forces with NextOp to further our mission of preparing students—especially those who have served our country—for successful and rewarding careers,” said Dr. Jim Carlson, Chancellor of NTCC. “This collaboration enhances our ability to support veterans at every stage of their academic and professional journeys.” This partnership reflects a shared vision of empowering military-connected individuals through education, mentorship, and direct career support.
Key elements of the partnership include:
- Increased Awareness: NextOp will promote NTCC’s training programs to its national network of enlisted candidates through virtual and in-person events, digital outreach, and community-building activities.
- Mutual Training and Engagement: Both organizations will provide training to each other’s staff to better serve veterans and facilitate smoother program referrals.
- Event Collaboration: Both parties will contribute speakers and participants for co-hosted events aimed at supporting and engaging the veteran community.
Chris Brown, Business Development Manager of NextOp, states "our partnership with Northshore Technical Community College enhances our ability to connect veterans with career-focused training that leads directly to employment. NTCC’s dedication to workforce innovation aligns seamlessly with NextOp’s mission to support enlisted veterans as they transition into high-demand industries. Together, we’re building a strong bridge between military service and meaningful civilian careers across Southeast Louisiana."
Northshore Technical Community College is proud to foster a welcoming, Veterans-friendly environment across all its campuses. Recognized by the Governor of Louisiana as a Veterans Friendly institution, NTCC is committed to supporting those who have served. In 2023, NTCC further demonstrated this commitment by becoming the first community college in Louisiana to be designated an official Purple Heart Community College. Through initiatives like the NextOp partnership, NTCC continues to expand its support for the veteran population, ensuring they have the resources and recognition they deserve.
Registration is now open for NTCC’s Fall 2025 semester. Veterans and their dependents who attend Northshore Technical Community College may be eligible to receive benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs when pursuing a degree program. Prospective students can visit NTCC’s website at www.northshorecollege.edu to begin the enrollment process. For more information about NextOp, visit https://nextopvets.org/.
###
About Northshore Technical Community College
Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) is a comprehensive college with a rich history of providing workforce training and academic pathways to universities across the state of Louisiana. Beyond the traditional classroom and workforce training opportunities, NTCC provides opportunities for students seeking our Adult Education, ESL, and YouthBuild programs. NTCC is comprised of its Main Campus in Lacombe, Hammond Area Campus, Direct Connect Campus at Southeastern Louisiana University, Florida Parishes Campus in Greensburg, Sullivan Campus in Bogalusa, and the Livingston Parish Campus in Walker. In 2015, NTCC was recognized by the Brookings Institute as the first in the nation for economic value of its graduates. The Chronicle of Higher Education named NTCC in 2019 as seventh fastest growing colleges from 2007-2017. NTCC was also awarded the Greater New Orleans Top Workplaces by The Times-Picayune and The New Orleans Advocate every year since 2018. For more information about NTCC, visit www.northshorecollege.edu.
About NextOp
NextOp assists enlisted veterans in their transition from military service to civilian careers. Through a unique workforce development program and wide-ranging resources, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization provides enlisted veterans with the necessary tools, training and support to thrive. Headquartered in Houston and with operations in New Orleans, Dallas-Fort Worth, Memphis and Huntsville, AL, NextOp tailors services to meet the specific needs and foster the professional growth of each individual candidate. For more information, visit https://nextopvets.org/.
