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Evaluating the Impact of University-Led Experiential Learning on Rural Development and Sustainable Manufacturing in Louisiana

Author

Listed:
  • Mysha Ahmed

    (School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA)

  • Fatemeh Ghafari

    (Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA)

  • Zhihong Pang

    (Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA)

  • Chao Wang

    (Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA)

  • Chandler Hayes

    (Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA)

  • Jonathan Shi

    (Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA)

  • Michael Hayes

    (School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
    Louisiana Sea Grant, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA)

Abstract

This paper seeks to establish the impact of university experiential learning programs on small- to medium-sized enterprises while emphasizing the benefit to rural workforce development and sustainable manufacturing practices. Data were collected from diverse partners of Louisiana State University’s experiential learning program over the last 7 years to illustrate the types of recommendations and implementation statistics for sustainable manufacturing practices. The study found that rural enterprises favored the adoption of short-term, high-saving solutions to mitigate the impact of utility costs resulting from geographical isolation, while there was low implementation of long-term, large investment projects. This highlighted the practical feasibility of a project over a focus on long-term sustainability plans, which require significant capital investment, management planning, and employee training. This study outlines a university-led experiential learning program’s engagement through academic–industrial partnerships that serve student development and the economic advancement of small- to medium-sized enterprises. The data can direct future incentive opportunities for sustainability projects that have more immediate payback, to increase the adoption rate in rural facilities. The larger implication provides a framework and validation that can support the development of similar programs for extension and enterprise engagement to impact sustainable manufacturing practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Mysha Ahmed & Fatemeh Ghafari & Zhihong Pang & Chao Wang & Chandler Hayes & Jonathan Shi & Michael Hayes, 2025. "Evaluating the Impact of University-Led Experiential Learning on Rural Development and Sustainable Manufacturing in Louisiana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:7642-:d:1731708
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    References listed on IDEAS

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