Jovanni Rodriguez, an 18-year-old graduate from Haynesville High, has become an inspiring example of determination and success. Originally from Mexico, he arrived in the United States at the age of eight, facing the challenges of adjusting to a new life in North Louisiana. As an English second language learner, he encountered additional hurdles in his studies, but he persevered, working hard to keep up with his peers.
Jovanni stands as the trailblazer in his family, being the first to pursue higher education. As a high school dual enrollment student at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC), he focused on Industrial Maintenance, and earned respect from both his peers and teachers. Now, he will be a full-time student at NLTCC starting in Fall 2023, working towards his technical degree in Industrial Maintenance.
Education costs can be overwhelming for many students, but Southwestern Energy, the nation’s largest multi-basin natural gas producer with operations in Louisiana, is stepping in to bridge the funding gap and support students in achieving their academic and career goals. On July 28th, the company awarded Jovanni a well-deserved scholarship in recognition of his hard work. With this support, Jovanni can continue his educational journey and pave the way for a promising career.
“Once we read Jovanni’s story and his goal of being the first in his family to attend college, we knew we had to do what we could to help,” said Haynesville Area Director, Sean Burke at Southwestern Energy. Known for its commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, the company is at the forefront of driving positive change within the industry. “Consistent with SWN’s investment to the LCTCS Foundation and NLTCC, this scholarship helps bridge the funding gap and maintain academic and career goals for those in our communities struggling with how to pay for education. As we look to recruit and hire locally, the community and technical college programs are critical to preparing Louisianans for energy careers with Southwestern, and more broadly.”
Choosing a career in the oil and gas industry comes with many advantages. With a wide range of opportunities for growth and development, this sector demands technical expertise and hands-on skills—perfect for someone like Jovanni, who has experience in Industrial Maintenance. The industry is also known for offering competitive salaries and benefits, empowering individuals to create a stable and secure future for themselves and their families.
Jovanni Rodriguez’s journey showcases the strength of determination and ambition. With the support of the scholarship from Southwestern Energy and his unwavering dedication, Jovanni is ready to shape a brighter future for himself.