The Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement works with 1890 historically Black land-grant colleges and universities, and Hispanic-serving institutions, to establish opportunities that ensure equitable participation in USDA programs, services, and resources for rural and historically underserved students and the communities they serve.
Additionally, these partnerships support capacity building initiatives that bolster education and career opportunities for students and faculty through scholarships and fellowships designed to help develop a strong pipeline of talent and collaboration for USDA. Please see the individual program pages below for additional information on available opportunities.
USDA Liaisons
USDA Liaisons serve as a key USDA representative in communities across America. USDA Liaisons advise and assist communities, students, faculty, universities and colleges, farmers, ranchers, foresters, and others on USDA programs and initiatives. USDA liaisons develop and maintain partnerships with key USDA stakeholders in order to enhance greater outreach between USDA stakeholders and USDA agencies, mission areas, and staff offices.
Find your local USDA Liaison (PDF, 1.5 MB)
Community Outreach
OPPE’s liaison network facilitates work between state, federal, and tribal partners, land-grant universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, historically black colleges and universities, and other strategic partners, to connect USDA programs and opportunities with the communities they are intended to serve.