The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is inviting new members to join a national network of public-private partners to help create and improve access to jobs in America's rural towns and communities.
The Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) was established in 2018 to create a forum for public and private partners to help increase access to workforce opportunities across rural America. The network includes government entities, colleges and universities, nonprofits, and private businesses actively engaged in improving workforce development in their local communities.
RWIN helps rural leaders:
- Build partnerships;
- Develop tools and resources to meet the needs of rural employers and employees; and
- Share information on emerging trends, best practices, and workforce development resources.
To join, interested parties must submit a membership form to USDA. Members may join the network on a continuous basis.
USDA is also inviting interested parties to attend a monthly series of public virtual workshops to create strategies to support rural workforce development. Workshop topics will focus on addressing workforce development needs using Rural Development programs, emerging industry trends, best practices, and leveraged community resources.
A kick-off workshop will be held on Thursday, Jan. 14, at noon Pacific Time. Participants will discuss improving broadband access to advance rural workforce development. If you'd like to participate, please register in advance.
For additional information or questions about RWIN, please contact rd.innovation.rwin@usda.gov.