STEAM INNOVATION CENTER CASE STUDY

Louisiana State University at Eunice (LSUE) is the LSU system’s only comprehensive, two-year institution of higher education. We serve more than 3,200 students, approximately 32% of whom are minority students.

We provide an accessible, affordable education with the goal of enriching the lives of our diverse student body, improving the vitality of the communities we serve and enhancing economic development locally and throughout Louisiana.

The demands for the 21st century workforce are more sophisticated than ever before. Today’s economy calls for stackable credentials and certificates. Demand and growth for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines represent nearly 100 out of every 1,000 jobs in our state.

In addition to meeting the needs of our graduates, LSUE has transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges in ouisiana to further increase matriculation opportunities for our students who intend to continue their education. We are deeply committed to transforming our region by providing the best educational opportunities and resources to all who are ready to learn and committed to assist our state in addressing the workforce demands in Science, Technology, Math and Agriculture.

A STEAM INNOVATION CENTER

In line with that commitment, our vision is to create the Louisiana State University at Eunice Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics – STEAM – Innovation Center. As imagined, this state-of-the-art facility, repurposed and redesigned from the original 1967 Science Building, will strengthen teaching, learning, workforce training and economic development opportunities across the Acadiana Region. The current building is operating at maximum capacity and very limited by the constraints of its 55-year age. In addition to space limitations, the facility has inefficient building systems, outdated finishes, and is not meeting the technological demands for today’s students and faculty. Upgrading our technology in classrooms and laboratories will enable LSUE to enrich its program offerings, provide a more robust learning environment and recruit and retain more students.

• Our needs include:
• High-tech computer stations
• Interactive learning boards for enhanced on-site and remote learning
• High-speed internet
• 3-D printers
• Increased laboratory and classroom space
• Upgraded mechanical systems equipment and finishes

This plan capitalizes on a growing need among corporations, foundations, government, educational institutions, and an increasingly sophisticated workforce. A state-of-the-art STEAM education and training facility in the rural area of Acadiana will be a beacon of transformation for the local economy – building the skills of the next generation workforce.