Delaware Community Prosperity Virtual Summit
USDA agencies partner with DSU to host public information summit
On September 10, 2020, the US Department of Agriculture Office of Partnership and Public Engagement (USDA-OPPE) hosted the first Delaware Community Prosperity Summit with co-hosts Delaware State University and the USDA Rural Development DE State Office. Agencies from the US Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of the Treasury shared how their federal programs can assist our communities.
“USDA-OPPE seeks to create partnerships for Community Prosperity, especially in rural areas in our nation, that foster unified efforts to revitalize rural America,” said Chandra Owens, USDA Liaison at Delaware State University and Delaware summit coordinator. “Through these summits nationally, we are able to foster hope and opportunities, wealth creation and bring asset building to the forefront of community development.”
Through the Delaware summit, registrants learned about the functions of various USDA and other federal department agencies and the resourceful services they provide for U.S. citizens, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Agriculture, economic and community development were highlighted topics. The summit illustrated how establishing linkages among federal, state and regional organizations, private and public entities, and land-grant partners like Delaware State University, provides communities with more opportunities to reduce barriers and achieve the five priorities of the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity—economic development, harnessing technological innovation, supporting a rural workforce, establishing e-connectivity for rural America, and improving the quality of life for all. The panel of speakers shared the resources they have that may be available locally for Delawareans and the surrounding states.
The Delaware statewide summit showcased the network of partners creating necessary connections and tools needed to explore the assets and address challenges to general well-being that exist in communities. Delaware State University is identified as a Center for Community Prosperity to help lead the effort to convene strategic partners and establish focused initiatives that boost capacity, especially in our more rural areas.