The purpose of the Tribal Colleges Extension Program: Special Emphasis (TCEP-SE) is to deliver science-based, culturally relevant extension education programs designed to address public needs and improve quality of life. To the extent practicable, priorities should reflect NIFA's national critical needs areas: 1) Development of sustainable energy; 2) Increased global food security; 3) Adaptation of agriculture and natural resources to global climate change; 4) Reduction of childhood and adolescent obesity; and 5) Improved food safety.
The TCEP-SE is aligned with:
The USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 found at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf
- Strategic Goal 1: Combat Climate Change to Support America's Working Lands, Natural Resources and Communities
- Strategic Goal 2: Ensure America's Agricultural System is Equitable, Resilient, and Prosperous
- Strategic Goal 3: Foster an Equitable and Competitive Marketplace for All Agricultural Producers
- Strategic Goal 4: Provide All Americans Safe, Nutritious Food
- Strategic Goal 5: Expand Opportunities for Economic Development and Improve Quality of Life in Rural and Tribal Communities
Social and Behavioral Sciences: TCEP-SE supports social and behavioral science disciplines. Projects that integrate social and biological sciences to
provide experiential learning opportunities for students in community development programs are encouraged. Incorporation of social and behavioral sciences is important for addressing many of the challenges facing agriculture and rural communities, such as increasing global demand for food production in the face of limited natural resources; improving health and reducing obesity by engaging in healthy diets; and alleviating poverty by fostering economic opportunity.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Traditional Ecological Knowledge is encouraged as a topic of research, education, and extension for projects.
Global Engagement: NIFA supports global engagement that advances U.S. agricultural goals. NIFA recognizes that collaboration with international partners may be necessary to attain the agency's goals for U.S. agriculture, promote global competence of our nation's future agricultural workforce, and promote safe and nutritious food security in a growing world. Therefore, although application to this RFA is limited to eligible U.S. institutions, applicants may collaborate with international partners, to include subcontracts to international partners or other institutions. Applications must clearly demonstrate benefits to the U.S.
Leadership Skills Development: The development of leadership skills, knowledge, and qualities are necessary to prepare students for agricultural and related careers in the private sector, government, and academia.