California State University Channel Islands has launched an institute for workforce and community studies institute using a $300,000 grant from Southern California Edison, the university announced. The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute is an independent nonprofit, non-partisan business development and public policy organization. It is named after a community leader who has served as an advisor to U.S. presidents and governors. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Hank Lacayo to create an institute that will help provide valuable resources and information critical to policy development and the prosperity of business at the local, state and national level,” said Richard Rush, the university’s president. The institute’s overarching focus is enabling student participation in the development, enhancement and cultivation of business. This is done through a relationship provided by the university’s Small Business Institute Energy Conservation and Telecommunications Labs. Through the new institute, students are able to participate in and conduct public forums on community, regional, state and national topics, focusing on contemporary issues and workforce trend analysis. The institute will conduct research and publish its results. Jessica Vernabe