Prairie Springs Science Center Completion Project
The Universities of Wisconsin's top capital priority
Building Wisconsin's STEM workforce
Prairie Springs Science Center Completion Project
It's a great investment in Wisconsin’s STEM workforce.
Business partners like Kwik Trip, Mayo, Trane Technologies, J.F. Brennan and many others invest in UWL for targeted curriculum, research, internships and workforce development. Nearly 87% of UWL’s College of Science & Health graduates work for employers throughout Wisconsin — not just in the La Crosse area, but at major employers like Epic, Exact Sciences and leading health-care providers statewide. Donors have invested more than $15 million to enhance UWL’s STEM education since 2018, and more donations are expected once Prairie Springs is completed.
Tim Kabat
La Crosse Area Development Corp.
"Building Prairie Springs II will increase UWL’s capacity for educating top-flight science students. That means our region can better attract and retain businesses and industry in an increasingly science-based economy that includes all types of manufacturing, health care, and food production and processing."
Modern facilities prepare students for changing workforce needs.
UWL is gearing up for growth in data science, engineering physics, environmental sciences and food science. Completing the Prairie Springs Science Center will add 30 new STEM classrooms and labs — ranging from 25 to 150 seats. UWL students and faculty work with leading Wisconsin businesses to conduct research that strengthens business partnerships and promotes career readiness for our graduates.
Chris Hardie
"Graduates from UWL fill desperately needed jobs — not only in our region but across the state. We need graduates who approach problems from all contexts, using quantitative, collaborative, innovative and logical analysis rooted in STEM. The completion of the Prairie Springs Science Center is an investment that makes sense now and in the future."
Enrollment continues to grow — and for good reason.
UWL consistently rates as a top public university for academic quality and value, and enrollment continues to increase — up more than 1,000 students since 2007. UWL welcomed its largest first-year class ever in fall 2024. And UWL has a top retention rate —7% of 2023-24 first-year students returned to learn from our award-winning faculty.
Liz Filter
Chair of the Board, La Crosse Chamber of Commerce
"The completion of the Prairie Springs Science Center is essential for driving the local business economy and supporting science-based industries in the region. By enhancing UWL’s STEM programs, the center will produce a steady pipeline of skilled workers, helping local businesses meet their current and future workforce needs."
We're ready to take the next step.
Because of sound planning and fiscal management, the Prairie Springs Science Center Completion Project is shovel-ready once funding is approved. UWL’s outdated science facility, Cowley Hall, lacks modern lab space, fire suppression and ADA accessibility. The building leaks when it rains and has been the most expensive on campus to maintain. When Cowley opened in the 1960s, UWL had about 4,800 students — compared to the current enrollment of nearly 10,500 students. Today, more than half of UWL’s students study the sciences.
Heather Schimmers
Gundersen Region President, Bellin and Gundersen Health System
"A modern science building will attract students to UWL who are interested in the science and medical fields, and it will ensure the strong position of the university in an increasingly important healthcare workforce pipeline in our region."
Dr. Richard Helmers
Regional Vice President for NW and SW Wisconsin, Mayo Clinic Health System
"The Prairie Springs Science Center is more than just a building; it's a catalyst for healthcare innovation and workforce development in our region. As an organization that has worked closely with UWL, Mayo Clinic Health System recognizes the critical role this project plays in nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals."
Science in the news @ UWL
HEAR WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Did you know?
UWL science grads stay in Wisconsin and support the state’s economy
Just under 87% of College of Science and Health 2010 and 2015 graduates reported to live in Wisconsin at least one year after graduation.
UWL College of Science and Health students graduate in an average of 4.1 years
This means they're getting out into Wisconsin’s workforce to address the state’s much-needed STEM and health workers.
Phase II promises to generate more private funding and partnerships
New classrooms and lab areas promise to inspire additional private research and experiential learning funding, along with additional partnerships to help local business prosper.
Strong support from community businesses
Among the supporting organizations
- Gundersen Health System
- Kwik Trip
- La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce
- Mayo Health System
- 7Rivers Alliance
- Xcel Energy
Hear from alumni in the workforce
Ryan Sands
Geography, environmental science concentration/Earth Science
"This should build networking with local employers and provide training on potential career fields for future students."
Maureen Vorwald
Physical education/corporate fitness
"While at UW-La Crosse, I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic, good time management skills, and being a positive and clear communicator."
Jenna DeShaney
Geography, environmental Science concentration
"UWL prepared me for the workforce by incorporating appropriate lessons, skills and technology to the classes."
Emily Botten
"Today, I work with research that is critical to Wisconsin residents’ health and safety, and I could not be prouder to be doing so. Not only do I get to have a positive impact on the global pandemic, but also on issues that are hyper endemic to my community such as Blastomycosis and Lyme disease."
Carl Klubertanz
"If you want a good experience with faculty that have those connections to those working within your field, I would take a look at what UWL has to offer."
