LSUE Announces Federal Funding for STEAM Center

EUNICE, La. – Louisiana State University Eunice is set to be the recipient of $3.25 million in federal funding earmarked for the upcoming STEAM Innovation Center on campus, it was recently announced.  LSUE’s funding is part of more than $40 million secured by Congressman Clay Higgins for Louisiana’s 3rd district.

The $3.25 million will go directly towards the construction of LSUE’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics (STEAM) Innovation Center.  It is part of Community Project Funding through H. Res. 1061, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month.

LSU Eunice and Congressman Higgins held a joint announcement ceremony on the LSUE campus on Wednesday to mark the significant federal support.

“We are so grateful for the tireless efforts by Congressman Higgins to have our STEAM Center included in this year’s funding bill,” said LSU Eunice Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson.  “This project will generate transformational change not only on our campus, but for all of the communities we serve.”

The STEAM Innovation Center is one of 14 projects to receive funding in H. Res. 1061 in Louisiana’s 3rd district.  This latest investment into the STEAM Innovation Center is the single largest commitment, either publicly or privately.

“Funding for LSUE’s STEAM Innovation Center is a long-term benefit for Louisiana families,” said Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03). “Supporting education in the applied sciences is important for Louisiana’s agriculture, energy, and health care industries. The new STEAM Innovation Center will provide enhanced opportunities for students and support workforce development efforts for the entire region.”

“My office worked closely with our local government entities and district stakeholders for the better part of 2023 to secure funding for Louisiana’s 3^rd District. We will continue to prioritize funding for our communities to deliver wins for South Louisiana,” Congressman Higgins added.

The STEAM Innovation Center is the renovation and reimagining of LSUE’s current Science Building, the first building erected on the campus in 1967.  The new structure will give LSU Eunice and the surrounding area a first-class facility with the classroom and laboratory spaces needed in today’s academic environment.