February 2, 2023
HACU and USDA announce 16 Minority-Serving Institutions selected for the USDA Agricultural Export Market Challenge
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service have announced the selection of 16 minority-serving educational institutions which will participate in the 2023 USDA Agricultural Export Market Challenge.
The Agricultural Export Market Challenge is an immersive learning experience using the case study method and role playing to simulate the work that FAS subject matter experts perform every day to increase export opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products.
“We congratulate the institutions selected to participate in the USDA FAS Challenge. As the implementing partner on this project, HACU is dedicated to providing learning opportunities that challenge students to seek possible solutions to real world problems,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores.
The goal of the simulation is to help students accrue knowledge and skills across the disciplines of economics, diplomacy, scientific analysis, marketing, and trade policy.
“Through this project and case study, students are presented a scenario to seek ways to address issues, including creating new market opportunities, fostering climate solutions, and strengthening food security - all current USDA priorities,” added Flores.
The 17 teams selected to compete in the Challenge hail from 16 minority-serving institutions. Institutions in bold are HACU-member institutions.
- Alverno College, Milwaukee, Wis.
- California State University, Bakersfield, Calif.
- California State University, Chico, Calif.
- California State University, Fresno, Calif.
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Calif.
- Columbia Basin College, Pasco, Wash.
- Dominican University, River Forest, Ill.
- Kean University, Union, N.J. (two teams)
- Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo.
- New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, N.M.
- North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, N.C.
- North Shore Community College, Danvers, Mass.
- St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas
- Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nev.
- West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas
The teams that complete the Challenge will present their solutions to FAS leadership in late February and early March. The winning team will receive the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with USDA leaders. To learn more about the Challenge visit https://fas.usda.gov/market-challenge
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