Investing in early childhood education lays the groundwork for stronger families, healthier communities and more prosperous economies. Reflecting its ongoing commitment to early learning, Entergy joined local leaders, educators and families to mark the grand opening of Wilcox Academy’s new Central City Early Learning Center and educator housing facility. The event featured a neighborhood second line with marching bands, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by elected officials, community partners and supporters.
The opening also marked Wilcox Academy’s 20th anniversary and the launch of its new Central City Campus. Entergy contributed $150,000 toward the state-of-the-art facility, building on more than 20 years of partnership and support. That collaboration included advocacy at the local, state and federal levels to help secure the funding needed to bring the project to fruition.
“Because both of my parents were educators, I understood from an early age how important a strong educational foundation can be,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “At Entergy, we recognize that education plays a vital role in creating strong communities, and we remain committed to programs that give children and families opportunities to thrive.”
The new facility addresses two significant community needs by bringing childcare and affordable housing together in one location. Its 13 classrooms will accommodate as many as 150 children from birth through age five and are expected to generate approximately 30 local jobs. Families will also have access to a range of supportive services, including family coaching, healthcare partnerships and take-home meals. The campus additionally features four energy-efficient affordable housing units designed for early childhood educators.
“This campus is designed to give children and families the foundation they need to grow and flourish,” said Rochelle Wilcox, CEO of Wilcox Academy. “When families can access high-quality early education alongside stability and essential resources, the positive effects extend well beyond the classroom and contribute to a stronger community overall.”
Entergy’s involvement in early childhood care and education goes back to the early 2000s, when the company became involved in efforts supporting the Coalition for Pre-K for All. In 2022, Entergy joined a coalition that successfully advocated for the creation of a millage. Combined with state matching funds, the initiative can generate as much as $40 million each year, expanding access to quality early care and education for approximately 2,000 working families in Orleans Parish.
Through its support of the Louisiana Policy Institute, Entergy also contributed to advocacy efforts that helped establish the state matching fund, an important component in securing the resources required to open the new center.
State Sen. Royce Duplessis, who played a role in advancing funding for the project, emphasized the importance of partnerships and the lasting benefits that can result from investing in early education, families and affordable housing.
The Wilcox Academy Central City Early Learning Center combines early childhood education, family support services and affordable housing in a single campus, creating a comprehensive resource for families while strengthening the local early childhood workforce. Entergy is proud to support the center and Wilcox Academy’s commitment to education, helping expand opportunities for children and families and contributing to a stronger future for the Central City community.
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The opening also marked Wilcox Academy’s 20th anniversary and the launch of its new Central City Campus. Entergy contributed $150,000 toward the state-of-the-art facility, building on more than 20 years of partnership and support. That collaboration included advocacy at the local, state and federal levels to help secure the funding needed to bring the project to fruition.
“Because both of my parents were educators, I understood from an early age how important a strong educational foundation can be,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “At Entergy, we recognize that education plays a vital role in creating strong communities, and we remain committed to programs that give children and families opportunities to thrive.”
The new facility addresses two significant community needs by bringing childcare and affordable housing together in one location. Its 13 classrooms will accommodate as many as 150 children from birth through age five and are expected to generate approximately 30 local jobs. Families will also have access to a range of supportive services, including family coaching, healthcare partnerships and take-home meals. The campus additionally features four energy-efficient affordable housing units designed for early childhood educators.
“This campus is designed to give children and families the foundation they need to grow and flourish,” said Rochelle Wilcox, CEO of Wilcox Academy. “When families can access high-quality early education alongside stability and essential resources, the positive effects extend well beyond the classroom and contribute to a stronger community overall.”
Entergy’s involvement in early childhood care and education goes back to the early 2000s, when the company became involved in efforts supporting the Coalition for Pre-K for All. In 2022, Entergy joined a coalition that successfully advocated for the creation of a millage. Combined with state matching funds, the initiative can generate as much as $40 million each year, expanding access to quality early care and education for approximately 2,000 working families in Orleans Parish.
Through its support of the Louisiana Policy Institute, Entergy also contributed to advocacy efforts that helped establish the state matching fund, an important component in securing the resources required to open the new center.
State Sen. Royce Duplessis, who played a role in advancing funding for the project, emphasized the importance of partnerships and the lasting benefits that can result from investing in early education, families and affordable housing.
The Wilcox Academy Central City Early Learning Center combines early childhood education, family support services and affordable housing in a single campus, creating a comprehensive resource for families while strengthening the local early childhood workforce. Entergy is proud to support the center and Wilcox Academy’s commitment to education, helping expand opportunities for children and families and contributing to a stronger future for the Central City community.
Click here to know more.