Louisiana Leadership Institute Builds $3 Million Education and Wellness Hub in Baton Rouge

A $3 million Education and Wellness Hub, featuring a 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, is under construction by the Louisiana Leadership Institute (LLI) in north Baton Rouge. The hub aims to provide a public gathering space for educational, professional, and health-related events, with free internet access for the community.

Expanding Access and Opportunity

Founded by U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, the LLI is building the 17,000 square foot hub at 5763 Hooper Road as reported by The Advocate. Construction began last month and is expected to be completed by the finish of 2026.

Hub Features and Planned Events

The Education and Wellness Hub will include an outdoor theater with a concrete stage and roof, along with platform seating. The LLI plans to host a variety of events at the amphitheater, including job fairs, performances, STEM project showcases, and health screenings. The free Wi-Fi access will enable residents to search for jobs and utilize telehealth services.

Partnership with ConnectLA and GUMBO 1.0

ConnectLA, a state office focused on expanding broadband access, is a project partner. Veneeth Iyengar, executive director of ConnectLA, stated the hub is “meant to be open to the public, to be used by all” according to The Advocate.

The project is part of ConnectLA’s GUMBO 1.0 program, a federally-funded initiative to deliver high-speed internet to underserved areas. ConnectLA has over 60,000 GUMBO 1.0 projects underway .

LLI’s Mission and Community Impact

The Louisiana Leadership Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and educating Louisiana’s youth, particularly those from underserved communities as outlined on the Louisiana State Legislature website. The Leadership Academy, a program offered by the LLI, frequently hosts State Senator Cleo Fields, local judges, radio hosts, and political commentators as guest speakers according to the Louisiana Leadership Institute website.

The Education and Wellness Hub represents the first GUMBO 1.0 project in East Baton Rouge Parish, with additional projects planned for West Feliciana, East Feliciana, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge parishes.