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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the establishment of a regional team of USDA Tribal College Liaisons, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening relationships with Tribal colleges and universities. The three new liaisons will be stationed in the Central Plains, Southwest, and Rocky Mountain regions, where Tribal colleges are located. Their role will be to provide information on USDA programs and services to Tribal college students, Tribal Nations, Native American farmers, and local communities. Additionally, applications are now being accepted for the Summer 2025 USDA Tribal Food and Agriculture Policy Internships, a program designed to empower the next generation of Tribal policy experts. Both initiatives are part of USDA’s efforts to support Tribal self-determination, promote equity, and eliminate barriers to services and programs.

“This signifies a significant investment in USDA’s partnership with Tribal colleges and universities and in nurturing the future leaders in Tribal policy,” said Betsy Rakola, Acting Director of USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations. “As we also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Tribal colleges joining the land-grant college network, we acknowledge the impact these institutions have had on Native American students and communities through higher education and culturally relevant research and education projects.”

The new Tribal College Liaisons include Kellen Palmer for the Central Plains region, Raymond Benally for the Southwest region, and Ryhal Rowland for the Rocky Mountain region. These liaisons will work closely with Tribes to enhance economic development opportunities, workforce development, and food security at both the Tribal and national levels. They will collaborate with faculty and staff at Tribal colleges and universities to understand their needs and connect them with USDA resources and services. Additionally, they will raise awareness about USDA resources and services among Tribal Nations, communities, and Native American farmers and ranchers, while also recruiting students for USDA internship programs.

Tribal colleges have been pivotal in providing education and resources to Native American communities for the past 30 years as part of the land-grant college network. There are currently 36 federally recognized Tribal colleges and universities, serving over 15,000 students and impacting more than 120,000 Tribal community members annually. These institutions offer a range of services, including job training, college preparatory courses, adult education programs, and research opportunities that are culturally relevant and aligned with Tribal traditions and self-determination.

USDA is actively recruiting for additional Tribal College Liaisons, with a current opening for a Great Lakes Tribal College Liaison position. Applications are being accepted until October 17 on USAjobs.gov. To learn more about USDA’s Tribal College Program and opportunities for Tribal College Liaisons, visit the Office of Tribal Relations website.

Furthermore, USDA has opened applications for the Summer 2025 Tribal Food and Agriculture Policy Internships, a program focused on Tribal agriculture and food sovereignty. Through this internship program, students will gain hands-on experience with USDA agriculture, food, and nutrition programs that benefit Indian Country. The program aims to cultivate a new generation of agricultural professionals with a deep understanding of Tribal food and agriculture issues. An information session will be held on October 24, with the application deadline set for November 22, 2024. For more information on the Tribal Food and Agriculture Policy Internships, visit the link provided.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is committed to transforming America’s food system, promoting fair markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food, investing in rural infrastructure and clean energy, and advancing equity within the Department. To learn more about USDA’s initiatives, visit www.usda.gov.

USDA encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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