Alcorn State University News April 12, 2022 USAID Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Alcorn State University Yesterday, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Alcorn State University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate increased collaboration and promote a shared pursuit of more inclusive and sustainable social and economic development, with a particular focus on research in the areas of agriculture, climate change, and science and technology. This partnership is the most recent action under USAID's Minority-Serving Institution Partnership Initiative, which underscores the U.S. government's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) in the federal workforce through the hiring, retention, employment and career advancement of applicants from under-represented groups. Through this partnership, USAID will invite Alcorn students to explore careers in public service through internships, fellowships and other career opportunities. In addition, this MOU will harness Alcorn's expertise and cutting-edge research capabilities in sustainable watershed systems, agricultural research, and climate change analytics. Specifically, USAID aims to bring Alcorn, Caribbean universities, and regional entities together to create linkages and the sharing of information and knowledge. Founded in 1871, Alcorn State University was the first Black land grant college established in the United States and has a long history as one of America's most respected Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This partnership furthers USAID's commitment to build a more diverse pipeline of talent and develop a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce, and it will harness Alcorn State University's cutting-edge research capabilities to solve global development challenges. For the latest updates on USAID's work on diversity, equity and inclusion, visit the USAID website<https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/diversity-equity-inclusion>. Sandra M. Phoenix, Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance 678-210-5801 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Seek justice, honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/