NORFOLK, Neb. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a partnership with Northeast Community College.

The USDA State Director for Rural Development in Nebraska Kate Bolz announced the partnership on Wednesday and is through the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement to "strengthen the nation’s rural workforce."

Resources and skill development will be made available to students in the Midwest to help with career advancement in agriculture and rural economic development.

The USDA Rural Development will work with Northeast Community College to help students develop leadership and job skills through agency internships and networking opportunities.

USDA Rural Development staff will also: share public data, program resources, webinars and information to help students with schoolwork and careers, participate in guest lectures at community colleges to help students learn about the ways USDA Rural Development’s programs, initiatives and resources, help people in rural America, encourage students to join the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) to help "expand their networking opportunities in their respective industries," and connect colleges with staff in state and local Rural Development offices.