Highlight: International Economic Development Council Recognizes EDA University Center at Delaware State University for Advancing Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Underserved Communities

The University Center for Economic Development and International Trade (UCEDIT) at Delaware State University’s (DSU) College of Business partners with EDA through the University Center Economic Development Program. Together, they have cultivated a highly skilled regional workforce and have advanced entrepreneurship in the state of Delaware by providing key decision makers across the public, private, and non-profit sector with access to timely economic development information, and technical assistance.

At the 2019 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference in Indianapolis, DSU’s UCEDIT was recognized as a leading program among universities for training minority and underrepresented students in economic development through its Economic Development and Leadership Institute (EDLI).

EDLI’s mission is to provide students with theoretical, practical, and experiential learning opportunities within economic development while introducing and cultivating the tenants of effective leadership in developing economies both domestic and abroad.

In addition to the training provided by IEDC, EDLI fellows conduct significant and impactful research in support of local, national, and international development projects led by UCEDIT. The training engages leading economic development professionals through a speaker series, conferences, and workshops. The institute allows students to participate in experiential learning opportunities through UCEDIT’s partnerships with economic development agencies across the globe.

UCEDIT also builds on current relationships with small businesses in Delaware to further strengthen alliances with the Delaware Economic Development Organization, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the International Trade Office of the State of Delaware, the Delaware Workforce Investment Board, the University of Delaware, the University of Virgin Islands, and multiple economic development partners throughout the state.

Since its inception, the EDLI in partnership with the IEDC, has trained 35 fellows representing over 50 completed IEDC training courses.