RIDGE Center for Targeted Studies @ the SRDC now accepting 2012 research grant proposals
The RIDGE Center for Targeted Studies @ the SRDC, in partnership with USDA Economic Research Service, has released its 2012 request for proposals for both its Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant Program and its regular Food Assistance and Nutrition Challenges in Rural America Research Grant Program.
Now in its second year, the Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant Program supports research in the United States by graduate students pursuing doctoral research in areas that closely align with the priorities of the RIDGE Center for Targeted Studies. Students currently enrolled in a Ph.D program from an accredited U.S.institution of higher education who have reached the “All But Dissertation” stage are eligible to apply. Proposals must be postmarked by May 18.
The Food Assistance and Nutrition Challenges in Rural America Grant Program seeks to invest in innovative research that explores the social science-based dimensions of the food and nutrition issues impacting residents or communities in rural America. The program is especially interested in proposals that focus on Native Americans, Hispanics, African Americans, and other racial/ethnic minorities, as well as children and low-wealth individuals/households. Proposals must be postmarked by May 4.
For full information on these opportunities, please visit http://srdc.msstate.edu/ridge/grants/.
Program Leadership Network conference registration now open
Online registration and conference information is now available for this summer’s Joint Meeting of the Southern Region Program Leadership Network, Association of Extension Administrators and Association of Southern Region Extension Directors, set for Aug. 19-23 in Nashville. This year’s theme is “Connecting Our Communities: Preparing for the Next 100 Years.” As the Land Grant System celebrates its first 100 years of the Smith-Lever Act, we look forward to what the next century will bring. Advances in technologies, changes in communities, and expanded partnership opportunities are among just a few of the possibilities as we move forward. Register by July 15 for the early bird discount!
Read More | May 16, 2013
Rural unemployment falls, but jobs decline
The eXtension Entrepreneurship webinar series finishes the season with presentations of interest to farmers' market vendors and farmstand owners. A free June 13 webinar, “Are you a Supermarket Vendor or a Super Market Vendor?” will be hosted by with Ginger Myers, UMD Extension Marketing Specialist.
Read More | May 16, 2013
Are you a Supermarket Vendor or a Super Market Vendor?” webinar airs June 13
The eXtension Entrepreneurship webinar series finishes the season with presentations of interest to farmers' market vendors and farmstand owners. A free June 13 webinar, “Are you a Supermarket Vendor or a Super Market Vendor?” will be hosted by with Ginger Myers, UMD Extension Marketing Specialist.
Read More | May 16, 2013
Immigration and the Rural Workforce
In key parts of rural America and ag-dependent metro counties, more than 25 percent of the population was born in a foreign country. The percentage of the U.S. population born in foreign countries isn’t as great in rural areas as it in metro America, but the foreign-born population has been on the increase in non-metro areas, especially since 1990. The USDA Economic Research has followed this trend and has published a background report on “Immigration and the Rural Workforce.”
Read More | April 16, 2013
Manufacturing Summit highlights partnerships that promote rural jobs
The SRDC took part in a recent Manufacturing Summit at Mississippi State University, which highlighted the importance of communities working across county lines to bring jobs to rural regions of the state.
Read More | April 8, 2013