Purdue Earns Top Honors for Economic Initiatives
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowPurdue University has been recognized for its economic engagement. During its annual meeting in San Diego, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities named Purdue a 2019 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Place award winner.
APLU says Purdue received the IEP Place award for “exemplary initiatives” resulting in social, cultural or community development.
“This award is a testament to the presence of Purdue University throughout the state of Indiana and beyond,” said Steve Abel, Purdue University associate provost for engagement. “This presence allows Purdue, Indiana’s land-grant university, to educate future leaders and improve the quality of life for Indiana residents and our global society.”
Purdue launched its Center for Regional Development in 2005 to deepen its economic engagement across the state and region. The center leads a variety of initiatives to address the unique needs of each community it works in and to spur development across the state.
APLU also acknowledged the $120 million State Street Redevelopment Project, which the university thinks creates a sense of “place” for Purdue and the surrounding areas.
According to Purdue, the project has led to more than $1 billion of development, including the Discovery Park District.
The district has already attracted Rolls-Royce, while Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Saab are actively creating spaces for more than 600 new high-tech workers.
Purdue also has invested in two Purdue Polytechnic High School locations in Indianapolis intending to fully prepare high school students who otherwise might not have the opportunity for high-tech and STEM-related careers.