四色AV signs MOU with StudyNPlay to create new resources for student-parents

Published April 28, 2026

Administrators from 四色AV, StudyNPlay and the UL System pose at the signing of an MOU.

CAPTION:The University of Louisiana Monroe signed the agreement withStudyNPlayon April 22, 2026. Pictured L-R: 四色AV Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. MichelleMcEacharn;StudyNPlayExecutive Director Stephanie Styles, J.D.;四色AV President Dr. Carrie L. Castille; University of Louisiana System President Dr. Rick Gallot


MONROE, La. 鈥撎The University of Louisiana Monroe听and听StudyNPlay听signed a memorandum of understanding听to pilot a program designed to support student-parent persistence, credential completion, and transition听into the workforce.听

The听StudyNPlay听framework is a parent-proximate workforce infrastructure model that will听assist听in creating a space on 四色AV鈥檚 campus where student-parents can听focus on their studies while their children听participate听in learning and play activities.听StudyNPlay听is not a childcare provider, but听will include听a supervised, play-based area for children while听student-parents听remain听close by, allowing them to persist in the completion of their education, while also providing holistic听resources to strengthen their success.听

鈥淭his initiative is all about meeting our students where they are and providing the bridge to get them where they want to be,鈥 said 四色AV President Carrie L. Castille. 鈥淚t听is our job as a university to provide as many resources as we can to ensure that our students persist in their degree programs.听This partnership with听StudyNPlay听strengthens our commitment to student success, and I am excited about how it听will听impact听our student population and attract new students as well,鈥 added Castille.听

StudyNPlay听will provide the program framework, training, and implementation support, while ensuring the听program鈥檚听fidelity and evaluation. 四色AV will provide institutional support, lead student听outreach听and recruitment to the program, and integrate the model into student success initiatives.听

鈥淪tudent parents are one of the most overlooked but high-potential segments of our workforce pipeline,鈥 said Stephanie Styles, Executive Director of听StudyNPlay. 鈥淭hrough this partnership,听we鈥檙e听not just providing support;听we鈥檙e听building the infrastructure that allows parents to persist, complete their education, and transition into the workforce.听StudyNPlay听was designed so parents no longer听have to听choose between their education and their children, and听we鈥檙e听proud to partner with听四色AV听to bring this model to North Louisiana.鈥

四色AV is currently evaluating potential locations for the听StudyNPlay听space on its campus and will partner with private donors to prepare the finished space. Potential donors who are interested in supporting the听StudyNPlay听program at 四色AV are encouraged to contact the 四色AV Foundation at (318) 342-3636.

About听StudyNPlay

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