Monroe, LA – July 7, 2026 — CBRE, in partnership with Louisiana Delta Community College LDCC, will host the third Data Center Installer Graduation Ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026, celebrating another class of graduates who have successfully completed an intensive workforce development program designed to prepare local talent for careers in the rapidly expanding data center industry.
With this graduating class, CBRE and Louisiana Delta Community College have now trained nearly 100 individuals through three bootcamp cohorts, creating a highly skilled workforce pipeline to support operations at the RPL Data Center located in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The program continues to demonstrate the transformative impact of industry and educational partnerships in developing the next generation of technical professionals.
The graduation ceremony recognizes students who have completed CBRE’s rigorous hands-on curriculum, mastering technical competencies in structured cabling, fiber optics, safety, network infrastructure, and data center installation while developing the professionalism and work ethic required to succeed in one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries.
Driving Workforce Development in Northeast Louisiana
As demand for digital infrastructure continues to accelerate, so does the need for highly skilled data center professionals. Through this innovative partnership, CBRE and Louisiana Delta Community College continue to meet that demand by:
- Creating meaningful career pathways for local residents
- Delivering industry-aligned technical training
- Supporting economic growth and high-quality job creation throughout Northeast Louisiana
- Building a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent for the RPL Data Center and future data center operations across the region
“This program is about far more than technical training-it’s about creating opportunity, transforming lives, and strengthening our communities,” said Kenya KB Burks, Technical Training Management, CBRE-RPL. “Every graduate represents another individual prepared to contribute to one of the world’s most critical industries while helping build the infrastructure that powers our digital future.”
A Strategic Partnership Creating Lasting Impact
The collaboration between CBRE and Louisiana Delta Community College demonstrates how public-private partnerships can successfully bridge the gap between education and employment.
Together, the organizations are:
- Connecting classroom instruction with real-world industry experience
- Expanding workforce readiness in rural and underserved communities
- Supporting large-scale digital infrastructure initiatives throughout Louisiana
- Creating long-term career opportunities that strengthen both families and the regional economy
As Meta continues to invest in Louisiana’s digital infrastructure, this partnership plays a critical role in developing the highly skilled workforce needed to support the construction, commissioning, and long-term operation of world-class data center facilities. The continued collaboration among Meta, CBRE, and Louisiana Delta Community College reflects a shared commitment to investing in people, strengthening communities, and creating sustainable career opportunities throughout the region.
Keynote Address
The keynote address will be delivered by Kenya KB Burks, Technical Training Management, CBRE-RPL.
A native of Lake Providence, Louisiana, Burks brings an extensive background in technology leadership, engineering, workforce development, and technical education. She is widely recognized for her passion for developing people and creating opportunities through education and technical excellence.
Burks holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Technology Management, a Master of Business Administration MBA, and a Master of Science CT in Engineering and Technology Management. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Engineering and Technology Management.
Her keynote presentation, “Building the Future: A Celebration of Excellence and Opportunity,” will recognize the accomplishments of the graduates while highlighting the transformative power of education, technical excellence, and workforce development in shaping Louisiana’s future.
Event Highlights
The graduation ceremony will feature:
- Welcome and opening remarks
- Partner remarks from Louisiana Delta Community College and CBRE
- Remarks from Meta, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships, workforce development, and continued investment in Louisiana’s growing digital infrastructure.
- Senior Leadership Remarks, recognizing the accomplishments of the graduates and the continued success of the CBRE–Meta–LDCC workforce development initiative.
- Keynote Address: Kenya KB Burks, Technical Training Management, CBRE-RPL
- “Building the Future: A Celebration of Excellence and Opportunity”
- Graduate recognition and certificate presentations
- Student and trainer reflections
- Closing remarks celebrating the continued success of the CBRE–Meta–Louisiana Delta Community College partnership and its lasting impact on workforce development throughout Northeast Louisiana.
Following the ceremony, guests will have the opportunity to tour the training laboratory, where graduates will showcase the data center infrastructure they designed and built throughout the program. The laboratory tour will be followed by a commencement reception honoring the graduates and celebrating their accomplishments.
About CBRE
CBRE Group, Inc. is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, providing industry-leading expertise in data center solutions, facilities management, engineering services, and technical workforce development worldwide.
About Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC)
Louisiana Delta Community College is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education and workforce training that meets the evolving needs of business and industry throughout Northeast Louisiana. Through strategic partnerships with employers such as CBRE and Meta, LDCC continues to prepare students for rewarding careers in high-demand industries while supporting regional economic development.