CMT and Courtney Cole revealed the dates for the network's inaugural Empowering Education tour in spring 2018.

The eight-city tour will visit a series of community colleges in Cole's home state of Louisiana starting March 5 at Bossier City's Bossier Parish Community College. Admission to the shows is free through the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges System (LCTCS) website.

Cole grew up 20 minutes outside one of America's most diverse music cities, New Orleans, La. Known for her spirited live performances and authentic lyrics, the singer-songwriter is among CMT's Next Women of Country and a staunch advocate for education. She has opened for some of the biggest names in country music like Miranda Lambert, Kenny Chesney and Thomas Rhett. Her latest EP For the Love of Me was released in March 2017.

The tour with Cole is part of a multi-faceted partnership between CMT, Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges System (LCTCS) and Louisiana Calling that aims to increase the number of work-ready residents in the state.

The new CMT Empowering Education campaign will offer the schools the opportunity for additional support at a local level.

Here is a complete list of dates for the free statewide tour:

March 5: Bossier Parish Community College, Bossier City

March 6: Louisiana Delta Community College -- Winnsboro Campus, Winnsboro

March 7: Jena High School hosted by Central Louisiana Technical Community College-Rod Brady, Jena

March 8: SOWELA Technical Community College, Jennings

March 12: Scott Civic Center (hosted by Baton Rouge Community College-New Roads), New Roads

March 13: Fletcher Technical Community College, Schriever

March 14: River Parishes Community College -- Reserve Campus, Reserve

March 15: Northshore Technical Community College -- Lacombe Campus, Lacombe

Each of the selected schools submitted a formal application outlining workforce goals specific to their community. Schools were chosen based on demonstrated need and the potential for how this partnership could make a positive impact in their community.

Schools not selected for the tour will still receive support as part of the campaign, including customized co-branded marketing and promotional materials for use on radio, TV, online and in print.

CMT Empowering Education is a comprehensive educational campaign that provides both an online resource and on-the-ground support to aid prospective students in overcoming the most commonly perceived obstacles to furthering education.

Since its 2014 inception, the campaign has worked with 29 colleges in some of the nation's most economically-depressed regions to highlight the importance of earning a degree or certificate.

Earlier this year, CMT, LCTCS and Louisiana Calling committed to work alongside community and technical colleges in a statewide campaign to connect Louisianans with the many available opportunities for workforce training and education in their own communities.

According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana has unprecedented demand for skilled workers throughout the state, and these positions often require training or education beyond a high school diploma.

In 2017, LCTCS served and provided instruction and workforce training to over 131,000 students. More than 24,185 students graduated from LCTCS colleges, which represents a 23% increase in graduates over the last three years.

Louisiana Calling's mission is to develop and conduct a multi-year public messaging campaign to help Louisianans discover and appreciate the many educational pathways that lead to high-value jobs and sustainable careers statewide.