U.S. Economic Development Administration Announces Grantees Under 2023 University Center Competition

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the grantees of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) 2023 University Center Economic Development Program Competition. EDA is providing a total of $16.5 million in grants to 23 colleges and universities in 14 states to administer programs to leverage their assets, promote innovation, and strengthen regional economies.

“As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to growing the nation’s economy through research and innovation,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “With support from the Biden-Harris Administration, these institutions of higher education will help to develop resilient innovation ecosystems and equitably expand economic opportunity for communities across the country.”

EDA prioritizes economic development planning or implementation projects that advance equity across America through investments that directly benefit traditionally underserved populations. The 23 University Centers announced today include a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI).

“The Economic Development Administration is dedicated to boosting regional economies through place-based, locally led strategies.” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is pleased to support the institutions designated or redesignated as University Centers as they help us invest in America’s future and grow opportunities to increase equity in American research institutions. Their existing university resources will be bolstered to build regional economic ecosystems that support resiliency and inclusiveness.”

EDA’s University Center grants are 5-year awards and each University Center will receive funding annually to support programs.

The grantees from EDA’s Austin Regional Office are:

• New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, will receive $130,000 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, will receive $130,000 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• San Juan College, Farmington, New Mexico, will receive $130,000 in FY2023 to continue to operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, Oklahoma, will receive $130,000 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will receive $130,000 in FY2023 to continue to operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, will receive $130,000 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas, will receive $130,000 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Little Rock, Arkansas, will receive $130,000 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• The University of Arkansas Fort Smith will receive $130,000 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• The University of Louisiana at Lafayette will receive $130,000 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley will receive $130,000 in FY2023 to continue to operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• The University of Texas at San Antonio will receive $130,000 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.

The grantees from EDA’s Denver Regional Office are:

• Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, will receive $150,000 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa, will receive $150,000 in FY2023 to continue to operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, will receive $200,000 in FY2023 to continue to operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• Metropolitan State University of Denver will receive $99,720 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, will receive $150,000 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, will receive $145,003 in FY2023 to continue to operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah, will receive $200,000 in FY2023 to continue to operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• The University of Missouri – Kansas City will receive $200,000 in FY2023 to continue to operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, will receive $148,800 in FY2023 to continue to operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• The University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, will receive $100,000 in FY2023 to continue to operate an EDA-designated University Center.
• The University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, will receive $200,000 in FY2023 to establish and operate an EDA-designated University Center.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.