Land-grant universities foster community, student resilience
The 1890 land-grant universities are committed to strengthening communities, farmers and students through meaningful outreach initiatives. Their engagement ensures that resources are tailored to meet local needs such as food security and economic development. Through these efforts, the universities are fostering more resilient communities for generations to come.
Here are a few examples of that work:- A food bank needs assessment in Maryland showed a growing desire for more non-native vegetables. An alternative crop specialist noted the economic opportunity for farmers. Alternative crops are high-value, creating a niche market that sets small-scale farmers apart from commercial growers and increases their income potential. In 2024, Extension recruited and worked with 15 farmers to grow non-native crops. The farmers collectively sold more than 10,000 pounds of produce, and one farmer established relationships with restaurants in Washington, D.C. to further market his vegetables.
University of Maryland -Eastern Shore; Other USDA Competitive, Non-Profit Grants & Contracts. See full statement. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture invested $19.2 million in 1890 land-grant universities to provide undergraduate scholarships and stimulate interest in food and agricultural careers. A student in Georgia benefited from this scholarship and is now an associate territory manager with Corteva AgriScience, a company committed to contributing to global food security and advancing environmental stewardship.
Fort Valley State University. See full statement. - Urban SNAP-Ed in Alabama targets limited-resource individuals and offers basic nutrition classes in an easy and fun format that allows participants to adopt healthy eating, food shopping and food safety habits. In 2023, 5,403 participated in the program. In a survey after the course, more than 1,000 individuals reported they had identified foods on sale or used coupons to save money, and nearly 2,000 chose healthy foods.
Alabama Cooperative Extension System – Alabama A&M University; Other USDA Competitive, 1890 Extension. See full statement. - The Healthy Grandfamilies program provides vital education, support and resources to grandparents raising grandchildren across West Virginia. By addressing challenges such as isolation, financial strain and access to legal and community resources, the program empowers grandfamilies to create stable, nurturing homes.
West Virginia State University Cooperative Extension Program; Other USDA Capacity – Extension, State Appropriations. See full statement. - The NextGen program in Tennessee is helping a land-grant university enhance its ability to recruit, train and retain highly motivated students and prepare them for successful careers in agriculture. Scholarships through this program have introduced a range of new opportunities to enrich its students’ learning and leadership experiences. These efforts are helping to create a strong future for U.S. agriculture for the benefit of all Americans.
Tennessee State University Agricultural Research and Extension Center; Other USDA Competitive. See full statement. - In North Carolina, the Bertie DigiCon provided residents with tools and resources to overcome digital barriers. The event raised funds for youth development and strengthened the foundation for ongoing efforts in digital access and community growth.
North Carolina A&T Cooperative Extension Program; 1890 Extension, County Funding. See full statement.
Here are a few examples of that work:
- A food bank needs assessment in Maryland showed a growing desire for more non-native vegetables. An alternative crop specialist noted the economic opportunity for farmers. Alternative crops are high-value, creating a niche market that sets small-scale farmers apart from commercial growers and increases their income potential. In 2024, Extension recruited and worked with 15 farmers to grow non-native crops. The farmers collectively sold more than 10,000 pounds of produce, and one farmer established relationships with restaurants in Washington, D.C. to further market his vegetables.
University of Maryland -Eastern Shore; Other USDA Competitive, Non-Profit Grants & Contracts. See full statement. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture invested $19.2 million in 1890 land-grant universities to provide undergraduate scholarships and stimulate interest in food and agricultural careers. A student in Georgia benefited from this scholarship and is now an associate territory manager with Corteva AgriScience, a company committed to contributing to global food security and advancing environmental stewardship.
Fort Valley State University. See full statement. - Urban SNAP-Ed in Alabama targets limited-resource individuals and offers basic nutrition classes in an easy and fun format that allows participants to adopt healthy eating, food shopping and food safety habits. In 2023, 5,403 participated in the program. In a survey after the course, more than 1,000 individuals reported they had identified foods on sale or used coupons to save money, and nearly 2,000 chose healthy foods.
Alabama Cooperative Extension System – Alabama A&M University; Other USDA Competitive, 1890 Extension. See full statement. - The Healthy Grandfamilies program provides vital education, support and resources to grandparents raising grandchildren across West Virginia. By addressing challenges such as isolation, financial strain and access to legal and community resources, the program empowers grandfamilies to create stable, nurturing homes.
West Virginia State University Cooperative Extension Program; Other USDA Capacity – Extension, State Appropriations. See full statement. - The NextGen program in Tennessee is helping a land-grant university enhance its ability to recruit, train and retain highly motivated students and prepare them for successful careers in agriculture. Scholarships through this program have introduced a range of new opportunities to enrich its students’ learning and leadership experiences. These efforts are helping to create a strong future for U.S. agriculture for the benefit of all Americans.
Tennessee State University Agricultural Research and Extension Center; Other USDA Competitive. See full statement. - In North Carolina, the Bertie DigiCon provided residents with tools and resources to overcome digital barriers. The event raised funds for youth development and strengthened the foundation for ongoing efforts in digital access and community growth.
North Carolina A&T Cooperative Extension Program; 1890 Extension, County Funding. See full statement.
