Louisiana’s long-standing challenge with brain drain is getting renewed attention, and action, through a new honors degree program at LSU aimed at keeping top students in the state after graduation. 

The LSU Honors College recently announced the Traditions in Critical Thought and Scholarship (TRACTS) degree, an interdisciplinary program designed to give high-performing students a liberal arts–style education alongside their primary major. The long-term goal: connect graduates with Louisiana-based employers or graduate programs so they can build their futures here. 

Loadstar is proud to be part of this effort. CEO Brian Haymon, who chairs the LSU Honors College advisory committee, is helping lead the push to connect TRACTS students with internships and career opportunities in Louisiana. The initiative aligns closely with Loadstar’s belief in investing in people and building a strong, sustainable workforce for the state. 

Programs like TRACTS reflect a growing collaboration between higher education and Louisiana businesses. A collaboration focused on developing graduates who can think critically, communicate clearly and solve complex problems across industries. 

Read more about LSU’s TRACTS program and its mission to combat brain drain in Louisiana in the full Louisiana Illuminator article.