CF Industries Invests $1 Million in Ascension Parish Early Childhood Education Initiative

A joint meeting of the Donaldsonville and East Ascension Rotary Clubs today served as the backdrop for a transformational local community investment announcement from CF Industries and parish leaders. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards joined representatives from Ascension Parish and CF Industries in announcing the company’s $1 million investment over five years as part of “Smart Start Ascension,” a new public-private partnership initiative designed to reshape early childhood education in the parish.

The Ascension Parish Government, Ascension Parish Public Schools and Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office announced plans for a new Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC).  The B. Lemann and Bro. building, a historic location in downtown Donaldsonville, will house a pilot of the ECDC and foster the early childhood programming funded by CF Industries. The ECDC and its educational programming will provide a foundation for development of early childhood education in Ascension Parish, including exposure to STEM educational programming, the arts, music, and athletic activities.

Following a pilot period, the parish expects to construct a permanent ECDC on the existing Hickley M. Waguespack (WAG) Center site next to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s office.