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

Published April 28, 2026

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

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


MONROE, La. –˶andStudyNPlaysigned a memorandum of understandingto pilot a program designed to support student-parent persistence, credential completion, and transitioninto the workforce.

TheStudyNPlayframework is a parent-proximate workforce infrastructure model that willassistin creating a space on ULM’s campus where student-parents canfocus on their studies while their childrenparticipatein learning and play activities.StudyNPlayis not a childcare provider, butwill includea supervised, play-based area for children whilestudent-parentsremainclose by, allowing them to persist in the completion of their education, while also providing holisticresources to strengthen their success.

“This initiative is all about meeting our students where they are and providing the bridge to get them where they want to be,” said ULM President Carrie L. Castille. “Itis our job as a university to provide as many resources as we can to ensure that our students persist in their degree programs.This partnership withStudyNPlaystrengthens our commitment to student success, and I am excited about how itwillimpactour student population and attract new students as well,” added Castille.

StudyNPlaywill provide the program framework, training, and implementation support, while ensuring theprogram’sfidelity and evaluation. ULM will provide institutional support, lead studentoutreachand recruitment to the program, and integrate the model into student success initiatives.

“Student parents are one of the most overlooked but high-potential segments of our workforce pipeline,” said Stephanie Styles, Executive Director ofStudyNPlay. “Through this partnership,we’renot just providing support;we’rebuilding the infrastructure that allows parents to persist, complete their education, and transition into the workforce.StudyNPlaywas designed so parents no longerhave tochoose between their education and their children, andwe’reproud to partner withULMto bring this model to North Louisiana.”

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

AboutStudyNPlay

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