WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of Farm Credit’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, the Farm Credit Council celebrates the rich history and importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. and their positive impact on roughly 300,000 current students, staff, alumni and HBCU partners during this year’s HBCU Week.

“We have partnered with at least one HBCU school in our area for almost two decades,” said Alabama Ag Credit President and CEO Doug Thiessen. “When we began our internship program, we prioritized that at least one intern should be from an HBCU school. Through this prioritization, even our most recent hire to our credit team includes a 2020 intern from Tuskegee University. Finding the best candidates includes looking for them in all of our area’s outstanding colleges and universities.”

Farm Credit is a proud supporter of HBCUs and took the HBCU Partnership Challenge, a public pledge to create or strengthen relationships with HBCUs and recruit talent from these institutions. As a part of that commitment, the Farm Credit Council created the Launching Leaders program, which offers a $3,500 stipend to any HBCU student or recent graduate who interns with a Farm Credit institution.

“We work to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture, and part of that is supporting and strengthening the next generation of agriculture leaders, on the farm and in finance, science and technology,” said Heather Vidourek, Executive Vice President, Human Capital for Farm Credit Mid-America. “This challenge helps all students, including those attending HBCU institutions, have equal access to opportunities to prepare for careers and fund their education.”

Next week, Farm Credit will host a virtual career and internship fair for students and recent graduates of HBCUs. Employees from more than 30 Farm Credit financial institutions will have the opportunity to meet students and graduates virtually to discuss internship and career opportunities.   

“Supporting people of color in rural communities and agriculture is an integral part of Farm Credit’s mission,” said Farm Credit Council President and CEO Todd Van Hoose. “We took the HBCU pledge to strengthen our partnerships and develop future leaders—and one way we look to achieve this is by connecting HBCU job seekers to the array of opportunities in the Farm Credit System.”

Students interested in registering for this event should visit the Farm Credit HBCU Career and Internship Fair 2021 event page for more information.

Farm Credit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services, today and tomorrow. It has been fulfilling its mission of helping rural America grow and thrive for more than a century with the capital necessary to make businesses successful and by financing vital infrastructure and communication services. For more information visit farmcredit.com.