Opelousas to open broadband-enabled community center,
expanding access to workforce, education and health services
BATON ROUGE, La. (Feb. 9, 2026) — The City of Opelousas in partnership with ConnectLA held the groundbreaking
ceremony for the City of Opelousas Community Center. This 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
build digital skills that create educational access, economic growth, improved health outcomes, and long-term opportunity
across the state.
“This community center gives Opelousas a reliable, welcoming place where people can come to learn, prepare, and move
forward,” said Sen. Gerald Boudreaux. “It’s about strengthening the community by meeting people where they are and
supporting them as they plan their next steps. I appreciate the partners who helped bring this effort together and are
committed to supporting residents as they work toward their goals.”
The City of Opelousas Community Center will provide a dedicated, accessible space where essential services are offered at
no cost, helping reduce barriers for individuals and families regardless of income. Through partnerships with local education,
health care and workforce organizations, the center will strengthen workforce readiness, support youth development, and
expand access to preventive health services for the citizens of Opelousas and surrounding area. The initiative underscores the
city’s commitment to building a stronger, more competitive community.
“This project is about making services easier to access and more effective for the people who rely on them,” said Veneeth
Iyenar, executive director of ConnectLA. “By bringing workforce, education and health resources together in one location
through broadband access, the community center creates a practical, long-term investment in opportunity for Opelousas
residents.”
“This project shows how broadband investments translate into real, local impact,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “By supporting
a community center that brings workforce training, education, and health services together, we are helping Opelousas deliver
essential services more efficiently and reach more residents.”
The Opelousas Community Center will:
- Partner with local Workforce Development and SLCC Community College to host job fairs, resume building
workshops, and computer literacy programs. - Work with local non-profit groups to offer after-school mentoring and tutoring programs with basic access to
computers and internet. - Offer health fairs, health monitoring and education, blood drives, eye exams in partnership with the local hospital,
Opelousas General. - Operate a monthly food bank on-site to support families experiencing food insecurity.
- Provide space for disaster staging areas as necessary.
By bridging education, industry, and health services, the center will serve as a powerful driver of economic vitality not only for
the City of Opelousas, but throughout St. Landry Parish. Reliable internet access will support the center’s day-to-day
operations and help make services more accessible to residents across Opelousas and the surrounding area.
“This investment creates a space where the community can come together to learn and prepare for the future,” said Rep.
Dustin Miller. “I want to thank the state and local leaders and organizations whose collaboration made this project possible.”
CONNECT.LA.GOV
MAYOR QUOTE
This project is made possible through federal funding provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury Capital Project Fund
and administered by ConnectLA. The center is set to be completed in December 2026.
About ConnectLA
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. For more information, visit connect.la.gov.
