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 represents government entities, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses that are actively working to enhance workforce development in their local communities.
RWIN helps rural leaders collaborate to:
USDA is committed to being a strong partner to grassroots leaders in creating and improving access to jobs in America's rural communities and towns.
Through the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN), USDA highlights Rural Development programs and other Agency resources for local leaders that can be used to develop the rural workforce in their communities.
RWIN ensures that as USDA helps fund community development and rural infrastructure projects, communities will also have a skilled workforce to support economic prosperity.
Join USDA Rural Development and members of the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) to learn about opportunities for Rural Energy workforce development with presentations from the US Department of Labor, Department of Labor US Energy and US Environmental Protection Agency.
Rural Workforce Innovation Network Workshop
Topic: Energy Workforce Program and Funding Opportunities
Date: Thursday, May 11, 2023 | VIDEO
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
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 email us at rd.innovation.rwin@usda.gov with your Organization Name, Organization Type, Service Area, and the State you’re located in.
Sign up for the Innovation Matters newsletter: a biweekly listing of funding opportunities, events, and resources in rural America.
Send your questions about the Rural Workforce Innovation Network to RD.Innovation.RWIN@usda.gov .