Published April 28, 2026

CAPTION: The University of Louisiana Monroe signed the agreement with StudyNPlay on April 22, 2026. Pictured L-R: ULM Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michelle McEacharn; StudyNPlay Executive Director Stephanie Styles, J.D.; ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille; University of Louisiana System President Dr. Rick Gallot 

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MONROE, La. – The University of Louisiana Monroe and StudyNPlay signed a memorandum of understanding to pilot a program designed to support student-parent persistence, credential completion, and transition into the workforce.  

The StudyNPlay framework is a parent-proximate workforce infrastructure model that will assist in creating a space on ULM’s campus where student-parents can focus on their studies while their children participate in learning and play activities. StudyNPlay is not a childcare provider, but will include a supervised, play-based area for children while student-parents remain close by, allowing them to persist in the completion of their education, while also providing holistic resources to strengthen their success.  

“This initiative is all about meeting our students where they are and providing the bridge to get them where they want to be,” said ULM President Carrie L. Castille. “It is our job as a university to provide as many resources as we can to ensure that our students persist in their degree programs. This partnership with StudyNPlay strengthens our commitment to student success, and I am excited about how it will impact our student population and attract new students as well,” added Castille.  

StudyNPlay will provide the program framework, training, and implementation support, while ensuring the program’s fidelity and evaluation. ULM will provide institutional support, lead student outreach and recruitment to the program, and integrate the model into student success initiatives.  

“Student parents are one of the most overlooked but high-potential segments of our workforce pipeline,” said Stephanie Styles, Executive Director of StudyNPlay. “Through this partnership, we’re not just providing support; we’re building the infrastructure that allows parents to persist, complete their education, and transition into the workforce. StudyNPlay was designed so parents no longer have to choose between their education and their children, and we’re proud to partner with ULM to bring this model to North Louisiana.” 

ULM is currently evaluating potential locations for the StudyNPlay space on its campus and will partner with private donors to prepare the finished space. Potential donors who are interested in supporting the StudyNPlay program at ULM are encouraged to contact the ULM Foundation at (318) 342-3636. 

About StudyNPlay 

StudyNPlay is a low-profit limited liability company and social enterprise wholly owned by the Generation Upward Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. StudyNPlay is a community-driven resource committed to supporting student-parents as they pursue better futures for themselves and their families. To learn more, visit studynplay.com.