Louisiana received more than $17 million in federal grants Wednesday to help community colleges expand job training programs through partnerships with private companies located near them. Bossier Parish Community College will lead nine community colleges in several states with a $14.7 million federal grant focused on information technology. The federal money for Louisiana is just a slice of the $500 million in grants to U.S. community colleges and universities around the country. Nine Louisiana community colleges will be able to develop or revamp their core informational technology curriculum that offers students an entry-level certification in cyber security, industrial IT and health informatics. According to Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, "This strategic investment will enhance ties among community colleges, universities, employers and other local partners while ensuring that students have access to the skills and resources they need to compete for high-wage, high-skill careers."