The Freeman School's locations in New Orleans and Houston provide a natural resource for the study of the energy industry. In 2003 the school, with funding from Entergy Corporation, formed a center to explore energy and environmental education.  The center sponsors courses and research focused on the energy industry. Students in Freeman School programs can earn a specialization in the energy industry.  The technological centerpiece of the institute is the trading room. The trading room is a hands-on laboratory for teaching energy risk management, trading and options.  Freeman School students can pursue an Energy Specilization or just enjoy the wealth os speakers, research and programs offered through the Energy Institute.