Historically Black land-grant universities reach diverse communities

In 1890, the Land-grant University System was expanded to include institutions for Black citizens. Today, these institutions continue to provide access to higher education for underserved communities, and their research and Extension programs impact people worldwide through advancements in agricultural productivity and sustainability, food security, human health, and community and youth development.

Here are a few examples of that work:

• First-time homebuyers and seniors in Texas are increasing their financial literacy through the Community and Economic Development Rural Home Loan Packaging Program. As a result, Extension staff submitted 77 homeownership applications, two first-time homeowners approved, $443,896 in 502 home loans packaged and $696,500 in 504 loan/repair grants packaged.
  _{Prairie View A&M University; project supported by USDA Capacity – Extension funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• Rural communities in Georgia often lack adequate technology resources, including broadband access and personal computers for home use. For that reason, Extension professionals distributed 100 computers to K-12 students locally, provided broadband access to 80 college students through hotspots and ordered more than 750 laptops for distribution to residents in middle Georgia.
  _{Fort Valley State University. See full statement.}
  
  
• An Arkansas program is influencing students’ attitudes toward eating more fruits and vegetables by introducing school activities related to nutrition education. This project can help raise a generation of nutrition conscious students, helping to transform the food system and combat the trend of food deserts.
  _{University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; project supported by 1890 Extension funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• Artificial intelligence and precision agriculture are on the rise. Georgia researchers are exploring how to use these emerging technologies to benefit farmers. Scientists are developing an app that helps small and limited-resource livestock producers in the United States and South Africa save money and increase productivity through precise management of animal health.
  _{Fort Valley State University; project supported by USDA Capacity – Research funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• An Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program in Texas is helping families and youths with limited resources improve overall health and well-being. As a result of Extension classes, 95%of participants improved their diet quality and 80% improved their physical activity.
  _{Prairie View A&M University; project supported by USDA Capacity – Extension funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• In 2022, more than 500 youths in Alabama underwent Urban Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program training to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Results revealed 192 students improved hand-washing techniques and food handling practices, 150 students improved physical activity practices and 278 improved their ability to choose healthy foods.
  _{Alabama A&M University; project supported by 1890 Extension funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• The Sweetpotato Foundation Seed Program works to supply high-quality planting materials to farmers to grow high-quality sweet potato seed stock in Arkansas and the South. The Extension program is responsible for approximately 90% of the acreage under sweet potato production in Arkansas.
  _{University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; project supported by 1890 Extension funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• In North Carolina, the 4-H Tech Changemakers program is bridging the digital divide for adults. Among the 1,087 adults who participated, 80% learned how to conduct safer Internet searches, 75% increased their knowledge in creating PowerPoint and Excel spreadsheets and 80% reported that they increased their ability to access online resources for career development.
  _{North Carolina A&T State University; project supported by non-profit grants and 1890 Extension funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• In Texas, Extension professionals assisted more than 125 limited-resource, historically underserved cattle ranchers in taking the first step to protect their animals and their bottom line. It is estimated that Texas cattle producers saved nearly $70,000 in costs through these programs.
  _{Prairie View A&M University; project supported by USDA Capacity – Extension funds. See full statement.}