May 28, 2026
BATON ROUGE – Baton Rouge Community College is redefining what it means to be a student-athlete by pairing competition with career preparation through its Student-Athlete Industry-Based Certification (IBC) Program.
At BRCC, athletics is more than performance on the field—it is a platform for long-term success. Through this initiative, student-athletes are developed not only in competition and in the classroom, but as workforce-ready professionals equipped with industry-recognized credentials.
BRCC Athletics is intentionally leveraging the full academic calendar, including the summer term, to ensure student-athletes continue progressing when competition pauses. This year-round model allows them to train, compete and simultaneously earn certifications that translate directly into career opportunities.
“BRCC Athletics is committed to developing the complete student-athlete—on the field, in the classroom and in life,” said BRCC Athletic Director Brock Kantrow. “Our goal is simple: when our student-athletes leave here, they are not only better competitors, but they are prepared professionals with credentials that create real opportunity.”
The IBC Program seamlessly integrates workforce training into the athletic experience, creating a direct connection between discipline developed through sport and success in the workforce.
“At Baton Rouge Community College, we believe athletics should open doors far beyond the final score,” said Willie E. Smith, Sr., Chancellor of Baton Rouge Community College. “Our student-athletes already demonstrate discipline, resilience, leadership and teamwork—qualities employers value every day. By intentionally connecting athletics with industry-based credentials and workforce training, BRCC is creating graduates who are prepared to compete not only in sports, but in Louisiana’s high-wage, high-demand careers. This initiative reflects who we are as a college: student-centered, workforce-focused and deeply committed to opportunity and economic mobility for our community.”
Initial certification pathways include:
- OSHA-10 / OSHA-30 (Construction & Safety)
- NCCER (Construction Trades)
- IT Fundamentals and Entry-Level CompTIA Certifications
- Forklift and Logistics Certifications
- Additional certifications aligned with BRCC workforce programs
This model positions BRCC Athletics as:
- A leader in year-round student-athlete development
- A program that extends beyond competition into career readiness
- A bridge between athletics and Louisiana’s workforce needs
- A modern approach to community college athletics focused on outcomes
Student-athletes already bring the intangibles—discipline, accountability, teamwork and leadership. By pairing those traits with industry-based credentials, BRCC is creating graduates who are not only competitive on game day, but highly valuable in the workforce.
“This is about return on investment for our students and their families,” Kantrow added. “We are building competitors who are just as prepared for the workforce as they are for the next game. At BRCC, it truly is more than a game.”
As part of this approach, BRCC Athletics is strengthening its connection to the Baton Rouge community by aligning with regional workforce needs and creating a pipeline of skilled, credentialed talent for local industry.
From recruiting to graduation, BRCC student-athletes are developed with a dual identity: competitor and professional—positioning them for success long after the final whistle.
For more information about BRCC Athletics, visit brccathletics.com, and for more information about Baton Rouge Community College, visit mybrcc.edu.