Leveraging its statewide network, AgCenter seeks to boost rural communities, economies

(01/28/25) BATON ROUGE, La. — With an extension office in every parish and more than a dozen research facilities, the LSU AgCenter has long been a presence in communities throughout Louisiana. From helping agricultural producers grow better crops to educating people about nutrition to hosting youth development programs, the AgCenter is a go-to resource for the state’s residents, even those living in far-flung, sparsely populated areas.

Now, the AgCenter is leveraging its statewide network to bolster rural Louisiana at a time when many small towns are facing challenges such as population loss and infrastructure woes. Through a newly launched community and economic development initiative, the AgCenter will connect rural communities with funding and expertise that can help their residents live better, healthier lives.

Jessica Stroope, who recently was named community and economic development specialist, will take the lead on this work.

“We want our rural communities to thrive and to not miss out on the resources that are available to them,” Stroope said. “At the AgCenter, we connect the resources of the university to the people. This is another meaningful way to do that, to translate the research and knowledge into action in communities.”

“Jessica is the right person to move these initiatives forward,” said Tara Smith, director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. “Our communities and constituents across the state have realized many positive impacts from our prior work in this arena, and we are poised to capitalize on our existing framework and relationships to continue to grow our network and successes in this area.”

Stroope will help community leaders identify sources of funding for projects such as infrastructure improvements. Much of this type of funding comes from the federal government, either directly or through the state government or entities such as the Delta Regional Authority. Other opportunities include grants from private foundations.

The paperwork associated with seeking grants can be time consuming and confusing, especially for first-time applicants. Stroope said she’ll walk leaders through the process and be available to answer their questions.

“Our goal is mainly capacity building in our rural communities,” she said. “They don't have a ton of staff, and if there's an administration change or you have someone retire or move to a different community, you can have a loss of local knowledge of how to navigate programs. So we want to help make things more sustainable for rural communities.”

Stroope most recently served as the AgCenter’s physical activity specialist; before that, she was the healthy living program coordinator for Louisiana 4-H.

Through a Centers for Disease Control High Obesity Program grant obtained by AgCenter nutrition specialist Denise Holston, Stroope shepherded communities through the application process for the state Transportation Alternatives Program to secure dollars for sidewalks, crosswalks and other infrastructure upgrades. As part of her work to promote physical activity, she joined AgCenter agents to facilitate community workgroups to increase access to physical activity, helped agents set up temporary parks and encouraged local libraries to stock exercise equipment that can be checked out.

Stroope said her previous roles taught her about developing relationships with people — average residents as well as those involved in local governments and community organizations — to learn about their needs and how the AgCenter can help. She believes this experience, along with her knowledge of applying for grants, will prove useful in her new position.

“I'm excited to see how the AgCenter can help communities thrive,” she said.

Woman wearing gray dress and yellow sweater.

Jessica Stroope, the LSU AgCenter’s new community and economic development specialist. Provided photo by Brian Pavlich

1/31/2025 2:48:04 PM
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