USDA

Marco Antonio Alcantar Alvarez, a graphic design major at California State University, was one of 14 students selected for a USDA HEP/CAMP internship in 2024. USDA partners with the National HEP/CAMP Association to offer students from farmworker or migrant backgrounds with a 10-week internship in Washington, DC. Marco interned with the Agricultural Research Service to obtain work experience that aligned with his educational goals. Learn more about his experience ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gUaKtHey

Through USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, the Department is investing $3 billion in approximately 140 projects nationwide to build and expand markets for commodities made with climate-smart practices. USDA hopes to increase the competitive advantage of U.S. agriculture both domestically and internationally, building wealth in rural communities.    To discover how you can be part of transformative initiatives like this and support sustainable agriculture, visit https://lnkd.in/eyceQ7v7 

On October 18th, USDA will be hosting an informational Career Center table at the USDA Farmers Market, located outside USDA Headquarters on the corner of Independence and 14th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20250: https://lnkd.in/dE7_7Vu7    Visit our table from 10am – 2pm EDT to learn more about applying to jobs through USAjobs.gov and the application process.

On #NationalFarmersDay, we thank the individuals who dedicate their lives to feeding and fueling the world, especially during these difficult times. Our thoughts are with those who were impacted by #Milton and #Helene. USDA will be here every step of the way during recovery. Assistance is available at disasterassistance.gov or farmers.gov.

According to AgCensus, 77% of the agriculture producers in the Rio Grande Valley identify as Hispanic. A The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley program is using a USDA 2501 grant to help connect Spanish-speaking South Texas farmers to agriculture opportunities at USDA. “This 2501 grant really gave us an opportunity to help producers understand the opportunities USDA offers and assist them in taking advantage of those opportunities,” said Director Aisha Cruz-Reyes (standing).

Last week’s Unity Through Inclusion Summit was an incredible start to Global Diversity Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! A standout moment was the celebration of our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP), reaffirming our dedication to creating educational and career opportunities for all. The day was made even more unforgettable by the vibrant cultural performances from the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.   And the celebration continues! Throughout October, the USDA TARGET Center will host engaging virtual events on accessible technology, inclusive workspaces, and disability awareness.   Thank you to everyone who joined us in fostering a more inclusive and equitable USDA! #NDEAM #GlobalDiversityMonth #OneUSDA https://lnkd.in/e2qvfXgM

This week we celebrate National 4-H Week and the incredible impact the organization offers young people around the country. Among USDA’s nearly 100,000 employees, many are proud 4-H alumni who attribute their career success to what they learned as members of 4-H.   Adrian Hendricks, a USDA Liaison, reflects on his previous role working with 4-H as an extension agent in Missouri. “For many kids across the United States, 4-H has become the embodiment of family and is the place where skills are learned, hope is forged, and life-changing experiences are born,” he said. “My time with 4-H has strengthened my understanding of the importance and the mission of ‘The People’s Organization ’— USDA.”

Two Senior Executive Service (SES) positions are open within the USDA Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR). Apply by 10/22/24! OASCR reports directly to Congress and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) through annual reports, such as the Notification and Federal Employee Anti-Discrimination and Retaliation Act (No FEAR Act) and the Management Directive – MD715 (MD-715) Report. Each USDA mission area and agency is required to submit their report to OASCR, and OASCR then submits an aggregate USDA report to Congress. 🔹 Executive Director, Civil Rights Operations   The Center for Civil Rights Operations (CCRO) provides leadership and direction toward the advancement of equal opportunity through proactive prevention, innovation, and excellence in civil rights programs and activities. To apply: https://lnkd.in/ew7CCzyV   🔹 Executive Director, Civil Rights Enforcement   The Center for Civil Rights Enforcement (CCRE) processes program complaints from customers, recipients, and applicants for USDA programs and services and any member of public eligible to receive program services or benefits through any USDA conducted and assisted program. CCRE processes complaints of discrimination from USDA employees. Each agency manages the informal EEO process and has 30 – 90 days to resolve EEO complaints. The informal EEO process includes optional alternative dispute resolution and counseling.   To apply: https://lnkd.in/eGk4amZM

Each October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. National Disability Employment Awareness Month plays a vital role in spotlighting the significant contributions of workers with disabilities and advocating for a more inclusive work environment. This year’s observance, Unity Through Inclusion Month: Celebrating Diversity and Access for All is not only a celebration of diversity but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equitable access to opportunities within our workforce.     We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. To explore how you can contribute to our mission and find your place within our team, visit our Careers Page today: https://lnkd.in/eyceQ7v7 

USDA’s Military Spouse & Veterans Program (MVP) recently hosted the MVP Career Fest, an event focused on providing training for Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Military Spouses, and individuals with disabilities on how to apply for federal positions while leveraging special hiring authorities available to them. Program managers also informed attendees on currently open positions at USDA and connected them with USDA Hiring Managers and HR representatives through a series of workshops.    Learn more about these resources and other opportunities at the USDA Veterans and Employment site: https://lnkd.in/e7z7cv_P