McNeese State University’s Leisure Learning program needs your votes.

The McNeese program has been nominated by the Lt. Governor’s Office and the Encore Commission to vie for one of the top state spots in the Best Places to Learn Something New category as part of a new initiative that highlights Louisiana’s top attractions for residents and visitors 50 and above.

Online voting will determine the top 50 winners in 10 categories that range from favorite festivals and restaurants to best places to work and best volunteer opportunities. Voters can go online now at www.EncoreLouisiana.com to vote through Nov. 15 and winners will be announced in December. Just click on the Top 50 for 50+ icon and sign up to vote. Voters can view the entire list of categories and nominations on this site.

“The Top 50 for 50+ showcases the best Louisiana has to offer – the places, sights and experiences that make life in Louisiana at 50 and above so unique,” said Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, who oversees the Encore Louisiana Commission. “Life beyond 50 is not what it used to be, and we are positioning Louisiana as a leader in developing communities that attract and retain residents.”

“What a wonderful opportunity for people all over the state to know what a treasure we have in Southwest Louisiana and have had for over 30 years,” said Betty Anderson, continuing education director at McNeese.

Last year, more than 1,600 adults and children learned something new as they took advantage of the more than 200 courses offered through the McNeese Leisure Learning program.

“May Gray, our leisure learning coordinator, is constantly seeking to offer new classes and added over 50 new classes this fall,” said Anderson. “We would like to encourage our participants and the general public to go online and support us by voting in the ‘Best Places to Learn Something New’ category.”