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:Ìý³ÉÈ˶¶Òô signed the agreement withÌýStudyNPlayÌýon April 22, 2026. Pictured L-R: ULM Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. MichelleÌýMcEacharn;ÌýStudyNPlayÌýExecutive Director Stephanie Styles, J.D.;ÌýULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille; University of Louisiana System President Dr. Rick GallotÌý


MONROE, La. –Ìý³ÉÈ˶¶ÒôÌýandÌýStudyNPlayÌýsigned a memorandum of understandingÌýto pilot a program designed to support student-parent persistence, credential completion, and transitionÌýinto the workforce.ÌýÌý

TheÌýStudyNPlayÌýframework is a parent-proximate workforce infrastructure model that willÌýassistÌýin creating a space on ULM’s campus where student-parents canÌýfocus on their studies while their childrenÌýparticipateÌýin learning and play activities.ÌýStudyNPlayÌýis not a childcare provider, butÌýwill includeÌýa supervised, play-based area for children whileÌýstudent-parentsÌýremainÌýclose by, allowing them to persist in the completion of their education, while also providing holisticÌýresources to strengthen their success.ÌýÌý

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

StudyNPlayÌýwill provide the program framework, training, and implementation support, while ensuring theÌýprogram’sÌýfidelity and evaluation. ULM will provide institutional support, lead studentÌýoutreachÌýand recruitment to the program, and integrate the model into student success initiatives.ÌýÌý

“Student parents are one of the most overlooked but high-potential segments of our workforce pipeline,â€� said Stephanie Styles, Executive Director ofÌýStudyNPlay. “Through this partnership,Ìýwe’reÌýnot just providing support;Ìýwe’reÌýbuilding the infrastructure that allows parents to persist, complete their education, and transition into the workforce.ÌýStudyNPlayÌýwas designed so parents no longerÌýhave toÌýchoose between their education and their children, andÌýwe’reÌýproud to partner withÌýULMÌýto bring this model to North Louisiana.â€�Ìý

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

AboutÌýStudyNPlayÌý

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