The Rural Development Certification Program addresses the need to understand the issues facing rural communities and businesses, such as sustainable development, marketing of local businesses on a global scale, and fostering a productive environment for entrepreneurship. Understanding these issues is key to the survival of rural communities. This certification will be available not only to baccalaureate students, but to anyone who wishes to enhance their ability to grow in their rural community. These people may include individuals such as extension agents, community and parish/county public officials, and local business leaders and entrepreneurs. This certification will enhance the resumes and provide a valuable education. The instructors of this program will develop five new courses to provide the necessary education to enhance rural communities. The courses will cover rural development economics, global electronic commerce and internet marketing, international trade and its effect on economic growth, geographic techniques and how they can relate to rural development, and grant writing. We hope to begin offering these courses summer 2010.