Our Story
E3 is an innovative partnership between Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the University of Illinois Extension, and Monroe County Economic Development Corporation to support education, experiential learning and economic development. Funded through a 2018 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, E3 aims to use the tools of science and technology to accelerate economic development in industries primed to drive growth in rural America.
E3 connects those with a problem, question or opportunity with the resources and expertise of a four-year university to solve it. Students need hands-on research experience, and what better way to deliver that than real-life research projects for real-life companies? By supporting the full or partial costs of research and experiential learning projects, the program is designed to give students experience solving real-world problems and opportunities to the mutual benefit of local businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs and communities.
Services Offered
While student learning is a critical component of every project, E3 projects are ultimately designed to help foster economic and business development in industries such as food, agriculture, human and natural resources. This means giving companies and farmers the tools you need to move your company or idea to the next level.
Projects are often multi-faceted, including one or more groups of interdisciplinary student/faculty teams working in conjunction. The best E3 projects include a mix of the technical and social science—bringing together students and faculty from diverse disciplines to focus on your problem or opportunity!
Potential projects/services include:
- Food and beverage analytical services
- Menu development and nutritional analysis
- Land use and environmental impact studies
- Employee recruitment, retention and training strategies
- Aerial survey and GIS mapping
- Analytical testing services
- Marketing and communications training
- Small business development services
- Community-based projects for sustainability
