SHREVEPORT, La. — Gov. John Bel Edwards and Chancellor Larry Clark of Louisiana State University Shreveport announced a more than $3 million agreement to advance student careers in technology. Louisiana Economic Development will contribute $1.2 million and LSUS will contribute $2 million through a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to build a “next-generation learning environment, one that advances technology through all degree programs at the fastest-growing university in the state,” according to a press release.
The CEA follows an additional investment of $750,000 by LSUS to create a Design-Thinking Lab and a 10,000-square-foot Cyber Collaboratory. It is hoped the investment will help LSUS students build skills in high-demand careers, support K-12 students and teachers, and collaborate with industry on solving real-world problems.
“Our administration is committed to ensuring that all our young people have ample access to the tools, programs and training needed to compete in today’s marketplace,” Gov. Edwards said. “I am proud to have worked with both LSU Shreveport and LED to create this opportunity, and to further strengthen the success of the I-20 Cyber Corridor. Under his leadership, Chancellor Clark has placed LSU Shreveport on a path of sustained growth and excellence, and this agreement is the latest initiative to foster growth at the university.”
The CEA covers four years through the 2023-24 academic year, and comes after LSUS welcomed a record 9,995 students to the university for the Fall 2020 semester. The technology agreement will expand STEM academic curricula – such as computer science, analytics, data visualization and cyber systems – and target a 70 percent increase in freshman-application interest for those programs.
“LSUS thanks Governor John Bel Edwards and LED for the opportunity to partner with LED in its continuing efforts to strategically develop a globally competitive workforce and help build the economies within Louisiana, especially here in North Louisiana,” said Clark. “We look forward to sharing best practices that we will develop with industry partners and other colleges and universities of North Louisiana.”
