Oglala Lakota College (OLC) partnered with  USDA Rural Development in 2015 to enhance program accessibility in underserved rural areas and communities.  Through a coordinated effort, workshops were held in three reservation communities to provide information and technical assistance for RD Programs that included the Renewable Energy for America (REAP grant and loan guarantee) program,
Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program and Rural Business Development Grant (RDBG).

The three USDA Strike Force Workshops focused on new or existing businesses, farmers, ranchers, and Agriculture producers and were held in Rosebud, SD, Kyle, SD and Eagle Butte, SD.  The workshops provided information regarding relevant and applicable grant and loan program opportunities and offered assistance in program application materials.  Other partners providing an overview of programs at these sessions included the  Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Lakota Funds, Rosebud Economic Development Corporation, SDSU Extension, and Four Bands Community Fund.
  
Oglala Lakota College is chartered by the Oglala Sioux Tribe.  Its mission is to provide educational opportunities that  enhance Lakota life.  This agreement is in effect for one year and complements the USDA and the StrikeForce Rural Growth and Opportunity Initiative (StrikeForce) by expanding access to Rural Development program resources.