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Rural Workforce Innovation Network

USDA established the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) to create a forum for public and private partners to help increase access to workforce opportunities in rural America.

This network seeks to engage a wide range of government entities, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, private businesses, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, as well as individuals that are actively working to enhance workforce development in their local communities.

RWIN helps rural leaders collaborate to:

Build new partnerships;

Develop tools and resources to meet the needs of rural employers and employees; and

Share and identify information on emerging trends, best practices, and workforce development resources.

RWIN Workshops
Join Network
Tools and resources
Rural Workforce Resource Guide

Workforce Development and Rural Prosperity

USDA is committed to being a strong partner with grassroots leaders who create and improve quality jobs in America’s rural communities and towns.

Through the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN), USDA stimulates conversation, connection and dialogue among a diverse group of network members who span the Nation. Best practices are highlighted which emphasize implementation techniques for innovative strategies, as well as sharing new and existing resources.

When a wide range of public and private interests align to support a skilled and versatile workforce, rural communities can prosper and thrive.

RWIN Workshops

Virtual Workshops

Join USDA Rural Development and members of the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) in learning about opportunities and best practices for workforce development. 

Upcoming Workshop Information

RWIN Rural Health Day Webinar
Topic: Growing Rural Healthcare Workforce: Recruitment and Retention
Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | Webinar Registration 

Past Workshops

Rural Workforce Innovation Network Workshop
Topic: Gateway to the Agricultural Industry Workforce
Date: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 | Webinar

 

  • Rural Development representatives from USDA, the US Department of Labor, Environmental Protection Agency, and US Department of Energy informed RWIN members of opportunities for climate and clean energy workforce development. | Webinar Recording

  • Rural Development representatives from USDA, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Arkansas Rural Health Association informed RWIN members of opportunities for rural health care workforce development. | Webinar recording

  • Representatives from USDA Rural Development, US Health and Human Services, US Economic Development Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Housing and Urban Development discussed locating federal grants, shared tips on how to complete applications and gave an overview of managing federal grants.

  • Part 1: Representatives from USDA Rural Development and Grants.gov discussed how to set up and access the systems needed to apply for federal grants. | Webinar recording

    Part 2: Representatives from the USDA Rural Development and Energy Communities IWG shared tips and guidance on grant applications and understanding grant management. | Webinar recording

  • USDA Rural Development representatives briefed RWIN members on federal priorities that will facilitate equal access to job opportunities for people in rural America. | webinar on

  • Representatives from USDA Rural Development, the US Economic Development Administration, and US Health and Human Services discussed new federal funding opportunities available to support rural workforce development. | Webinar recording

  • Resources to help rural communities recruit and retain talent through activities to create spaces to support the rural workforce. Placemaking is the process of creating quality places where people want to live, learn, work and play. | Webinar recording

  • Representatives from USDA Rural Development, US Department of Labor, and Dabney S. Lancaster Community College shared resources to support rural employees and employers in the construction industry. Recording

  • At this workshop, representatives from the USDA Department of Rural Development, Department of Energy, and Indian Hills Community College shared resources to support rural employees and employers in the clean energy industry. Webinar recording

  • Representatives from USDA Rural Development and the US Department of Health and Human Services participate in a panel discussion to share resources to support rural employees and employers in the health care industry. Webinar recording

  • Representatives from USDA Rural Development and the National Center for Native American Business Development shared resources and funding opportunities that can help create business and job training programs for tribal members. Webinar recording

  • Representatives from USDA Rural Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Rural Water Association participated in a panel discussion to share resources and recommendations on how to develop and manage an apprenticeship program. A recording of this workshop will be published soon.

  • At this workshop, representatives from USDA Rural Development, US Department of Labor Job Corp, and Michigan State University Extension presented training resources that rural leaders can use to foster youth workforce programs in their communities. | Webinar recording

  • At this workshop, representatives from USDA Rural Development, USDA Food and Nutrition Services, and the US Department of Labor will present federal resources that rural leaders can use to foster job training and skills development for people in their communities. . | Webinar recording

  • At this workshop, representatives from the USDA, the US Small Business Administration, and the US Economic Development Administration will explore federal resources and opportunities that can be used to provide relief for America's rural workforce. during the COVID-19 pandemic. workshop recording

  • In this workshop, USDA Rural Development, the Center for Rural Innovation, and members of the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) discuss broadband funding opportunities and strategies that can be used to support the development of the labor force in rural America. workshop recording

Network

RWIN currently has more than 425 members, each representing rural government entities, colleges and universities, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, as well as individuals.

USDA encourages any individual or group interested in improving the workforce in their community to join. To become a member, please click ‘Join’ below.

Join

Tools and resources

USDA Rural Development Innovation Center

Rural Workforce Innovation Network Fact Sheet | PDF (English) | PDF (Spanish)

Sign up for the Innovation Matters newsletter: a biweekly listing of funding opportunities, events, and resources in rural America.

Sign up for Rural Workforce Updates

Rural Workforce Resource Guide

Send your questions about the Rural Workforce Innovation Network to RD.Innovation.RWIN@usda.gov .