Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $850,000 to Bolster Healthcare Workforce in Oklahoma
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
February 21, 2017
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding an $850,000 grant to Cameron University (CU) of Lawton, Oklahoma, to build fully-integrated science laboratories and associated facilities on the CU-Duncan campus. The new laboratories will increase educational opportunities to help the region’s healthcare industry meet its demand for a skilled workforce. According to the grantee, the investment is expected to create more than 370 new jobs.
“EDA is committed to working with our partners to provide strategic investments that advance their efforts to equip American workers with the skills that new or expanding businesses need to be successful,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs Tom Guevara. “The enhanced educational opportunities that will be made available for students as a result of this EDA investment are directly linked to job skills that will improve career opportunities and help meet healthcare industry demand for a skilled workforce.”
Cameron University supports an 11-county service area. The project's immediate impact will allow students to take laboratory science courses in Duncan instead of commuting to CU's main campus in Lawton, which could be too far to travel for some of the region’s more economically disadvantaged students.
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 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.