Groundbreaking Held for New Avoyelles Community Education Center in Bunkie

The Avoyelles Parish School Board, in partnership with the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity (ConnectLA) and Gov. Landry’s administration, held a groundbreaking ceremony today for the new Avoyelles Community Education Center in Bunkie.

The center is part of the GUMBO 1.0 program designed to help eligible partners invest in capital assets that go far beyond broadband expansion to enable work, education, and health monitoring opportunities for the surrounding community. The investment will not only expand digital infrastructure but also create educational access, economic growth, improved health outcomes, and long-term opportunity across rural regions of the state.

“I have been committed from day one to work on bills that will create jobs and opportunities to usher our communities into the digital age and a prosperous future. This center is a product of that commitment and will be a cornerstone for growth and participation in our digital economy.”
State Rep. Daryl Deshotel

The center represents a significant investment in the future of Avoyelles Parish, expanding opportunities for career training and lifelong learning, as well as improving health outcomes. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday, Dec. 11, officially marking the start of the project.

“Putting shovels in the ground on these community centers marks a major milestone for our office in reaching our goal to get every Louisianan finally connected. We have been laser-focused on meeting with the leaders of small but mighty towns like Bunkie, listening to their needs, and collaborating effectively to make sure Louisiana is No. 1 in the country for universal connectivity and tech transformation.”
Veneeth Iyengar
Executive Director of ConnectLA

The initiative underscores the district’s commitment to building a stronger, more competitive parish. The Avoyelles Career Education Center will:

• Grow a skilled, local workforce and support businesses and industries seeking trained employees through workforce development and certification programs
• Provide clear pathways to career changes and advancement
• Increase opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and dual enrollment
• Open Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways for students
• Give our community access to technology-rich labs and classrooms that support digital skills training
• Have flexible spaces for employer partnerships, workshops, hands-on learning, health monitoring, and more

"We are proud to break ground on the Avoyelles Career Education Center and grateful for the support that made this project possible. This facility reflects our commitment to creating meaningful pathways to achieve high standards, applaud good character, and accomplish the extraordinary. It's an investment in our people, in opportunity, and in the bright futures we believe the people of Avoyelles Parish can achieve.”
Karen Tutor
Superintendent of Avoyelles Parish Public School System

By bridging education, industry, and health services, the center will serve as a powerful driver of economic vitality throughout Avoyelles Parish.

The project is made possible through federal funding provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund and administered by ConnectLA. The center is set to be completed in December 2026.
Visit the Avoyelles Parish Schools website to learn more.

The Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity (ConnectLA) leads the state’s efforts to expand high-speed internet access and close the digital divide. Housed within the Louisiana Division of Administration, ConnectLA works across federal, state and local partners to identify and implement strategies that ensure every resident can benefit from reliable broadband connectivity.