THIBODAUX, La. – When Gerald “Mitch” Dillon graduated from ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ in 2022, he moved into his own studio apartment and landed two jobs. Now, he is helping ensure other young adults with intellectual disabilities get the same opportunity.
Dillon, a graduate of the university’s Bridge to Independence program, serves as a representative of the on the state’s . At a recent meeting, he motioned to approve a multi-million-dollar fund that allocates $150,000 to ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ and eight other Comprehensive Transition Programs across Louisiana.
“Inclusive postsecondary education opens doors to learning, independence, employment and belonging,” said , state commissioner of higher education.
The funding structure stems from legislation, beginning with in 2022, authored by Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, which established the council. Subsequent legislation dedicated 3% of annual online sports wagering tax revenue to the cause.
Of roughly $3 million in sports betting revenue, the council approved $1.65 million to fund $150,000 grants for nine established campus programs. It also set aside $75,000 each for two emerging programs.
For ÐÓ°É´«Ã½, the $150,000 will be spread over two to three years to expand resources and support staff within the Bridge to Independence program.
Dr. Mary Breaud, an associate professor of education at ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ and the program’s faculty advisor, was appointed by Gov. John Bell Edwards to serve on the advisory council. She said the money will directly benefit students on campus.
Part of the funds will continue paying skills specialist Rebecca Templeton, helping ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ maintain a certified teacher for the program. The university also plans to hire a graduate assistant to oversee , a digital scheduling and data collection tool that students can use in college and keep after graduation.
Additionally, ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ plans to expand practical life-skills coursework, including home maintenance, budgeting and work in the campus greenhouse. Plans include hiring job coaches to support student internships.
“We want to strengthen their employability and skills so they can transition into paid, sustainable careers after completing the program,” Breaud said.
For Dillon, sitting at the decision-making table reflects the primary goal of the Bridge to Independence initiative. He lives in Covington, five minutes from his parents, and commutes to jobs at Acquistapace’s grocery store and Stone Creek Health Club.
“He loves his independence,” Breaud said. “Seeing a graduate come full circle, from sitting in our classrooms to making motions on a statewide board that funds those very same classrooms, shows exactly why this work matters.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 24, 2026
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