In 1938 the Southwest Louisiana Trade School was established by the Louisiana Legislature, and in 1940, classes began. Since then, the college has been through several name changes, and in 1999 The Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) became the governing agency for SOWELA. In 2003 the school formally became known as SOWELA Technical Community College. Throughout the school’s 85-year history, our mission and core values have remained constant and relevant to meet the changing needs of the community that we serve. The main campus is in Lake C