Press Release
U.S. EDA Partners with Mississippi's Jackson State University to Create Jobs, Strengthen Regional Economy
September 3, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $142,880 grant to Jackson State University of Jackson, Miss., to support the operation of the University Center economic development technical assistance program.
The University Center program provides local government and nonprofit organizations with resources to better analyze the economic needs of local communities.
"Partnering with educational institutions to provide the resources they need to flourish is necessary in strengthening our nation's competitiveness," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This EDA grant will work to advance Jackson's regional competitiveness by spurring innovation and entrepreneurship, creating higher-skill, living-wage jobs, and promoting industry clusters."
"The University Center program leverages applied research and technical assistance to help communities overcome economic development challenges and capitalize on opportunities," said Willie Brown, Executive Vice President at Jackson State University.
This investment funds the second year of a three-year University Center Economic Development Program at Jackson State University. The University Center will provide technical assistance and applied research to help increase productivity, spur innovation and entrepreneurship, and increase long-term regional competitiveness and economic diversification.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.