USDA Rural Development State Director Quinton Robinson today announced an $80,000 grant award to South Georgia Technical College to help establish the College’s new John Deere Technical Degree Program. The funding is from USDA’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program, which helps fund employment-related adult education programs.
“This Rural Development investment is on target to support the creation of 30 jobs initially, and continue building a skilled workforce indefinitely,” said State Director Robinson. South Georgia Tech’s program will train students to maintain, repair, and service the equipment used to produce the nation’s food supply. Graduates will have the opportunity to become employed full-time with a reputable John Deere Dealer, small business owner, farmer, or equipment dealer and reseller.
The grant award equips 30 students with laptop computers and master tool sets for the duration of their 24 month training in the South Georgia Technical College John Deere Ag and Turf Technician Program. Funds will also be used for a specialty 36 inch printer, other printers, and portable projectors.
Rural Business Enterprise Grants also may be used to promote the development of small and emerging businesses in rural areas and help fund distance learning networks. Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profit corporations and federally recognized Indian Tribes.
Since the start of the Obama Administration, the RBEG program has helped create or save more than 73,000 rural jobs, expanded or helped establish more than 41,000 rural businesses and community projects and provided more than $170 million in economic development assistance.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.
USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.