[CED/CD/EAT] FW: [EXT] ⭐ WRDC Holiday Edition: Hiring, Leadership Grants, Events and Research

Wed Dec 17 14:46:20 MST 2025

Please share – thanks - Ed

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Edward C. Martin, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President and Director
Cooperative Extension
Division of Agriculture, Life, & Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension

Professor/Extension Specialist - Biosystems Engineering
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Forbes Building, Room 301 | 1140 E. South Campus Drive
P.O. Box 210036 | Tucson, AZ 85721-0036
Office:  520-621-7145 |  Cell: 520-709-0939
ecmartin at arizona.edu<mailto:ecmartin at arizona.edu>

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. The University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.

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From: Western Rural Development Center <wrdc at mc.uidaho.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 5:52 PM
To: Martin, Edward C - (ecmartin) <ecmartin at arizona.edu>
Subject: [EXT] ⭐ WRDC Holiday Edition: Hiring, Leadership Grants, Events and Research

External Email

________________________________
Western Wire Holiday Highlights
As we close out the year, we invite you to explore this special holiday edition of the Western Wire from the Western Rural Development Center (WRDC). Inside, you’ll find grant opportunities, an upcoming community development workshop in Hawai'i, fresh insights on poverty dynamics, emerging research on wildfire impacts, and other updates shaping the future of rural communities across the West.
Each section offers something worth exploring, so be sure to scroll through and discover the work, partnerships, and ideas that continue to build resilience throughout the region.
Thank you for being part of this important work. We look forward to continuing it together in the year ahead.

[Portrait of Dr. Paul Lewin smiling outdoors in a sweater and checkered shirt.]
Holiday Greetings
As we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each of you. This time of year offers an important opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people and partnerships that make our work meaningful. I hope the coming weeks bring you rest, connection, and moments of joy.

This fall, our team had the privilege of visiting several Native American–serving 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, as well as a number of 1862 Land-Grant Universities. These visits were more than site tours; they were reminders of the diverse histories, missions, and strengths embedded within our nation’s land-grant system.

At the 1994 institutions, we saw firsthand the deep commitment to community-based learning, language and cultural preservation, and student support structures rooted in Indigenous knowledge and values. The innovation and resilience demonstrated by faculty, staff, and students were truly inspiring.

Our visits to 1862 institutions highlighted complementary strengths: large-scale research capacity, extensive Extension networks, and established interdisciplinary programs. Yet across both 1994 and 1862 campuses, one theme was consistent: the shared dedication to creating educational pathways that uplift communities and expand opportunity.

As we look ahead to a new year, I am encouraged by the possibilities that emerge when these institutions learn from one another and collaborate with mutual respect. Strengthening these relationships will remain a priority for us in the months to come.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for the work you do every day. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a bright start to the new year.

Warm regards,
Paul

Paul Lewin, Ph.D.
Executive Director

[Group photo of the WRDC team featuring holiday string lights.]<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=7a60e516be&e=1829487aa3>
Celebrating a Season of Connection and Community
As we wrap up the year, our team<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=ea9fcd6b59&e=1829487aa3> is grateful for the partnerships, projects, and people strengthening rural communities across the West. This season reminds us why our work matters: supporting local leaders, expanding opportunities, and helping rural communities thrive. From all of us at the WRDC, we wish you a bright and peaceful holiday season. ⭐️

[Graphic announcing a job opening for an Associate Director at WRDC, with text reading ‘We’re Hiring! Apply Today!’ alongside an icon of three people high‑fiving.]<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=dfad50ae3f&e=1829487aa3>

Now Hiring: Associate Director at WRDC
The WRDC is hiring an Associate Director to help lead research, outreach, and collaboration that strengthen rural communities across the West.
If you’re passionate about supporting rural residents and their communities and want to make a meaningful impact, apply today.
Find Out More →<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=4bb6742db9&e=1829487aa3>

[Adults seated in a classroom or training setting, listening attentively during a lesson or discussion.]
Deadline Approaching: Leadership Skill Development Grants
If you are looking for support to advance your leadership skills and deepen your impact in the communities you serve, this opportunity is designed for you. The WRDC is pleased to offer its second round of the 2025-2026 Leadership Skill-Development Mini-Grant Program, providing up to $2,000 to help you take the next step in your professional growth.
Faculty and staff at Western Land-Grant Institutions are invited to apply. Awards are offered quarterly, and the next proposal deadline is January 12, 2026. Individuals and small cohorts are all welcome.
You can use the grant to pursue activities such as:

  *   Participating in or delivering leadership training
  *   Covering fees for workshops, courses, and webinars
  *   Purchasing and exploring leadership-focused publications
  *   Leading a community project, hosting a seminar, or mentoring emerging professionals
Whether you are early in your career or expanding your leadership toolkit, this grant supports you in growing your skills and creating meaningful change across the rural West.
Learn more and apply here <https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=def69ba299&e=1829487aa3> →<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=174ba399fc&e=1829487aa3>

[WRDC announcement inviting individuals from western land-grant institutions to join the 2026 Technical Advisory Committee, with a map highlighting western states and a Learn More button.]

Help Shape the Future of Rural Development!

The WRDC is establishing a new Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) in 2026, and we’re looking for passionate individuals from western land-grant institutions engaged in research, academia and Extension with an interest in community and economic development.

TAC members will:
 ✔ Provide input on priority goals and strategies for advancing rural economic and community development in the West
 ✔ Review and recommend WRDC grant and fellowship proposals for funding to the Board of Directors
 ✔ Serve as a vital link between WRDC and stakeholders across the Western region

Interested?
Self-nominate today—names and contact information will be shared with the WRDC Board for consideration. Complete the self-nomination form<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=5196ff67b3&e=1829487aa3> for consideration.

Questions? Email wrdc at uidaho.edu<mailto:wrdc at uidaho.edu>.

Upcoming Events & Webinars

Western Outdoor Recreation Workgroup Quarterly Collaboration Meeting

January 13, 2026 | 3 pm MT/2 pm PT | Via Zoom

Passionate about outdoor recreation and rural economies? Extension staff and researchers are invited to learn more about regional and national efforts <https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=4a4092fc51&e=1829487aa3> related to outdoor recreation and tourism and join us for the call.

Contact Ahsan Kibria<mailto:akibria at uidaho.edu> or Jake Powell<mailto:jake.powell at usu.edu> for Western workgroup details and the Zoom link.

Community Catalyst Conversations: 1994 Land-Grant Institutions & WRDC

January 27, 2026 | 11:30 AM MT/10:30 AM PT | Via Zoom

With 2026 USDA NIFA Tribal Programs grant opportunities on the horizon, join 1994 Land-Grant peers and WRDC staff to share resources, exchange ideas, and develop your plan for completing your application for this vital Extension funding.

Register now!<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=984ea6cf40&e=1829487aa3>

[Graphic promoting the WRDC Community Development Workshop in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, April 7–9, 2026, with the text “Learn. Lead. Transform.” and illustrated palm trees and mountains.]<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=f788fb0174&e=1829487aa3>
Save the Date: WRDC Community Development Workshop in Hawai'i
April 7-9, 2026 | Honolulu, Hawai'i

The WRDC will host a three-day Community Development Workshop on April 7–9, 2026 in Honolulu (O'ahu), Hawai‘i. This workshop is designed to strengthen the capacity of Land-Grant Institution Extension professionals and applied researchers in Alaska, Hawai‘i, and the U.S. Pacific territories to design, deliver, and sustain effective community economic development initiatives.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and build leadership skills with colleagues from Land-Grant Institutions and Sea Grant College programs across the region.
Scholarships will be available for eligible participants from Alaska, Hawai‘i, and U.S. Pacific territories to offset travel costs up to $2,000. Additional details, including registration and hotel information, will be shared soon.
Mark your calendar and stay tuned for updates on the WRDC website<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=8c853a5603&e=1829487aa3>.

Research & Resources

[An old, rusted pickup truck sits abandoned in a grassy field with distant hills and a warm sunset in the background.]

What Keeps Families Stuck in Poverty? New Research Offers Insight

WRDC researchers Paul Lewin and Nadeeka Weerasekara presented new findings at the 72nd NARSC that explore why some families remain in long-term poverty. Their analysis of 22 years of national data shows that structural barriers, such as limited access to transportation, childcare, healthcare, digital connectivity, and affordable credit, limit families’ ability to build assets, even when income rises, keeping families trapped in poverty.

These insights highlight the importance of improving access to essential services in rural communities.

Read the full article →<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=c9b498a6f2&e=1829487aa3>

New Findings on Safety Nets and Poverty Prevention

WRDC researchers Nadeeka Weerasekara and Paul Lewin recently presented new findings at the 72nd NARSC Annual Meeting that explore how safety net programs influence a family's ability to move out of poverty and remain stable over time. Their analysis of more than three decades of household data shows that while safety nets often support short-term progress, many families still face challenges that increase the risk of returning to poverty.

These insights point to the importance of long-term strategies that strengthen resilience and support lasting mobility in rural communities.

Read the full article →<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=27da471efe&e=1829487aa3>

Is Entrepreneurship a Path Out of Poverty?

WRDC researchers Nastasya Winckel and Paul Lewin analyzed nearly two decades of national data to understand better whether self-employment offers a meaningful pathway out of poverty for low-income workers. Their findings show that financial outcomes vary widely and often depend on economic conditions, duration in self-employment, and prior income levels. The study provides a nuanced look at the trade-offs involved and raises important questions for researchers and practitioners focused on poverty alleviation and labor market dynamics.

Read the full article →<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=3f5e0758a8&e=1829487aa3>

[Printed charts and graphs on a desk showing bar and line data for business analysis.]

Western Region Household Baseline Survey 2024 Dataset Now Available
WRDC is pleased to announce the public release of the Western Region Household Baseline Survey 2024 dataset. This collaborative project, conducted with the Regional Rural Development Centers, provides a comprehensive look at household conditions across the Western United States. The work reflects contributions from former WRDC Post-doctoral Fellow Dr. Nastasya Winckel and current Post-doctoral Fellow Dr. Ahsan Kibria.
The dataset offers valuable insight into income, housing, broadband access, entrepreneurship, caregiving, environmental concerns, community belonging, and other factors shaping life in the Western Region. It is a useful resource for researchers, practitioners, and community partners interested in understanding regional trends and conducting comparative analysis.
Access the dataset →<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=a38d5bacea&e=1829487aa3>

[Wildfire burning across a mountainside at night with smoke rising above and palm trees in the foreground.]

Research Spotlight: Wildfire’s Ripple Effects on Rural Economies
WRDC Graduate Assistance Grantee Richard Acquah-Sarpong presented new research at the 72nd NARSC Annual Meeting that takes a deeper look at how wildfire exposure influences firm migration across the Western United States. By combining business-level data with a wildfire exposure index that captures smoke exposure and population-weighted burned area, the study offers an early view into how environmental hazards can reshape local economic landscapes. This work is positioned to inform future planning efforts and support stronger economic resilience in rural communities.

Read the full article →<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=9361f0cb26&e=1829487aa3>

[Graphic announcing that resources and the recording for the Accessible Rural Communities Roundtable are now available, with a thank-you message, QR code, and logos for Western CAN and the Western Rural Development Center.]
The Accessible Rural Communities Solutions Roundtable<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=e9a8181423&e=1829487aa3> was co-hosted with the Western Community Assessment Network (WeCAN) on November 18th. Participants and presenters shared solution stories from rural communities across the western region while connecting with peers and discussing practical approaches in more depth for how to create rural communities where everyone can thrive by ensuring access for people of all ages and abilities. For the recording and a resources guide, visit the WeCAN website<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=3f285e2517&e=1829487aa3>.

Regional Collaboration

[Open highway near White Sands in New Mexico with mountains in the distance and clouds lit by the setting sun.]
On the Road to Stronger Partnerships
This fall, WRDC visited Western Land-Grant Universities, 1994 Tribal Colleges, and Tribal Extension partners across the Southwest to strengthen relationships, learn about local priorities, and support collaborative efforts that advance research, Extension, and rural development across the region.  These conversations help drive WRDC’s mission to advance rural and Indigenous prosperity throughout the region.

See the highlights → <https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=974b5f66fa&e=1829487aa3>

Other News

[Graphic announcing the AARP Community Challenge grants, promoting livability and community improvements, with illustrated neighborhood scene and text noting applications open January 2026.]
Your Community, Your Project: Explore This Upcoming Funding Opportunity
Applications for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grants<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=a25cba6839&e=1829487aa3> will open in January. Entering its 10th year, AARP's annual quick-action grant program funds local projects that help make communities more livable for people of all ages.

Find Out More:  2026 AARP Community Challenge<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=da2c0aa553&e=1829487aa3>

[Illustrated map of Western U.S. and Pacific regions showing rural life, farming, nature, and communities. Text reads “WRDC Annual Report 2024.”]
In Case You Missed It:
2024 Annual Report
Our 2024 Annual Report was the most clicked item in our last newsletter, so we are sharing it again for anyone who missed it. If you have not had a chance to read it yet, the report highlights major projects and partnerships while offering a broad overview of WRDC’s work in research, Extension, and collaboration.

Explore the full report<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=3f9ae41b43&e=1829487aa3> <https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=e327175fca&e=1829487aa3> →<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=12c40ccde1&e=1829487aa3>

Contact Us

Have questions, ideas, or a story to share? We’re here to support collaboration across the region and welcome opportunities to connect with community leaders, researchers, and partners.
Reach out to us at wrdc at uidaho.edu.<mailto:wrdc at uidaho.edu>or visit our website<https://uidaho.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac01f99d70dd887a8b00760bb&id=310ee1c50d&e=1829487aa3>.

Don’t Miss Future WRDC News

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