Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.3 Million in University of Houston to Establish Innovation Center

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
August 19, 2016

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.3 million grant to the University of Houston to establish a Community Innovation Center that will support workforce training and entrepreneurship programming.

“The Obama administration is committed to helping communities develop a workforce with 21st century skills,” said Secretary Pritzker. “We are pleased to partner with the University of Houston to advance critical workforce training programs and support local entrepreneurs.”

The EDA grant will allow the University of Houston to construct the Community Innovation Center that will provide workforce training opportunities, entrepreneurship programs, and develop special educational programs for local students at Jack Yates High School. Overall, the Center will lead to a stronger and more resilient community. Once operational, the Center is expected to create 120 jobs over a three-year period.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration
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 makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. To learn more about EDA, visit www.eda.gov.