South Carolina State University has received a $100,000 land grant toward the development of rural business interests, outreach and business workshops.

SCSU was among 15 historically African-American land-grant institutions in 14 states to receive a total of $1.5 million in economic development and business promotion grants.

“These funds are part of USDA Rural Development’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all rural Americans are able to share in the nation’s economic growth,” said Thomas C. Dorr, agriculture under secretary for rural development. “USDA has been working with the 1890 institutions and Tuskegee University for more than a decade to help them reach rural residents in communities with the greatest economic need.”

The grants will aim to help create businesses, promote cooperatives and provide employment opportunities.

The recipients are among the 18 institutions supported under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, a law providing for the establishment of land-grant institutions focusing on agriculture, home economics and the mechanic arts.

Funding of each recipient is contingent upon their meeting the conditions of the grant agreement.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents.

Rural Development has invested more than $90 billion since 2001 for equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in home ownership, business development and critical community and technology infrastructure.

More than 1.7 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments.

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