2024 – Land-Grant Impacts

2024

a professor talks to two women students

Inclusive initiative boosts interest in science among minority and female students

The underrepresentation of women and minorities in agriculture, natural resources and human sciences prompted a response from Mississippi State University Extension (MSU). Acknowledging the challenges faced by rural students, including limited academic resources and exposure to STEM careers, MSU launched the Women and Minorities in STEM project. The initiative aimed to bridge the diversity gap by providing online and in-person [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, North Central, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Southern, Workforce Development, Youth Development/4-H

a woman and child smile with a boxed laptop

Georgia 1890 land-grant pilots ecosystem for digital equity

Rural communities often lack adequate technology resources, including broadband access and personal computers for home use. Many students often do their work at public access locations, facing barriers such as limited hours, lack of transportation and limited digital skills. In response, Fort Valley State University in Georgia is reducing these barriers and increasing access for underserved students by using loaner [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2024, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Community Development/Engagement, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia

kids swimming in a natural body of water

Strengthening families through engaging programs

Research and Cooperative Extension professionals in the Land-grant University System are dedicated to developing innovative programs that impact diverse communities nationwide. This work helps improve the lives of youths and families by connecting them with educational resources and engaging opportunities. Here are a few examples of that work: In Oklahoma, the Co-Parenting for Resilience program is helping parents effectively cope with [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Cornell University, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Purdue University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Connecticut, University of Vermont, Vermont, Youth Development/4-H

young girl looks into a microscope

Strengthening communities by expanding access to education and resources

The Land-grant University System is helping make communities stronger by ensuring information and programs are accessible and beneficial to all. From making workplaces safer to bringing science education to new audiences to helping better connect residents with community resources, Extension professionals are keeping their mission to reach and serve all people top of mind. Here are a few examples of [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, American Samoa, American Samoa Community College, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Indiana, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, North Central, Northeast, Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Southern, University of Connecticut, University of Puerto Rico, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Vermont, Western, Wisconsin, Workforce Development, Youth Development/4-H

young woman examines a plant in her garden

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 [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2024, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Animal Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence, Breeding/Genomics, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Crop Management, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Economic Development, Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Prairie View A&M University, Research, Texas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Youth Development/4-H

Young child smiles holding vegetables

Strengthening Tribal communities through collaboration

Working with federally recognized Tribes, land-grant universities help provide evidence-based education and resources that represent the community’s history customs, governance system and food traditions. These programs promote and improve health, food security and sustainability for Tribal communities. Here are a few examples of that work: Representation and cultural relevancy for Tribal communities is critical for Extension outreach success. Health and nutrition [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1994, 2024, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Extension, Food Security, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Michigan, Michigan State University, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern, University of Connecticut, University of Wisconsin, Western, Wisconsin

a student writes in a notebook

Illinois Extension program prepares youths for the real world

Young people often don’t have a grasp of how much money it takes to cover necessities like food and bills. At a time when many Americans live paycheck to paycheck, money management strategies are more important than ever. The 4-H Welcome to the Real World program, offered through the University of Illinois Extension 4-H team, opens young people’s eyes to [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Economic Development, Extension, Illinois, North Central, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Youth Development/4-H

Dark storm clouds brewing over a field

Monitoring climate change to reduce emissions and waste

Land-grant universities are working to provide critical data, tools and strategies to help predict, monitor and mitigate climate change and its impacts on communities and natural resources. Here are a few examples of that work: Dairy waste is a major source of methane and nitrous oxide emissions, which contribute to global warming. Scientists in Washington showed that vermifiltration (which uses filters [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 1994, 2024, Animal Management/Performance/Welfare, Breeding/Genomics, Climate Resiliency, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Soil Health, Tennessee, Tennessee State University, The Pennsylvania State University, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Western

watering plants in a community garden

In New York, Extension program instills community pride, one block at a time

In Rochester, New York, a program led by Master Gardeners and Cornell Cooperative Extension has helped low-income residents transform more than 700 blocks in their neighborhoods into beautiful, blooming gardens that instill community pride. It all started about a decade ago with a Master Gardener volunteer who came up with the idea for the community beautification effort. The program, called [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, New York, Northeast, Urban Agriculture

woman raising her hand in a classroom

Latino families in Indiana get help navigating community life through Extension program

In Daviess County, Indiana, the Hispanic and Latino share of the population has grown by 60% since the 2010 Census was taken. These residents, who make up 6% of the county’s population, come from diverse countries, and many have become deeply involved in local churches. Outside of faith-based settings, however, these newcomers often struggle to find avenues for community [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Indiana, North Central, Purdue University

three 4-h students compete in a robotics contest

Vermont youths build self-confidence, skills in robotics program

Robotics is a fun way to introduce youths to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Its hands-on learning approach to designing, building, programming and testing robots to solve a challenge or complete a task fosters creativity and innovation. In the past two years, University of Vermont 4-H has partnered with the university’s College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences to provide [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Northeast, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), University of Vermont, Vermont

a father and daughter hike in the woods

Oklahoma Extension program helps parents navigate divorce, coparenting

While adjusting to new family dynamics from separation or divorce can be a challenge for parents and children alike, effective communication and organization skills can help make the transition easier. Oklahoma State University’s Extension-led Co-parenting for Resilience program helps parents going through separation or divorce reduce negative impacts on children. Topics discussed include how to talk to children about a [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern

a woman cares for her elderly father

Extension in the Dakotas helps caregivers find support

An estimated 21.3% of Americans are caregivers — those who are helping relatives or friends with daily tasks such as eating, dressing, bathing and managing medications as they face situations such as end-of-life decline, chronic illness and recovery from surgery or illness. Becoming a caregiver can present many difficulties. As the Baby Boomer generation gets older and more Americans [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University

two teens prepare food for a charcuterie board

Florida 4-H Extension leverages charcuterie trend to teach youths about food safety, financial planning

Charcuterie boards have been all the rage in recent years. These artfully arranged spreads of cured meals, cheeses, fruits and preserves combine creativity with delicious flavors. University of Florida 4-H Extension leaders have leveraged the charcuterie trend to teach youth about food and kitchen safety and financial planning, among other topics. A contest called Charcuterie Masters allows 4-H members to [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Economic Development, Extension, Florida, Southern, University of Florida, Youth Development/4-H

a father raises his child in the air

Oklahoma “Strong Dads” program strengthens father-child bonds

In response to the prevalence of absent fathers in Oklahoma homes, Oklahoma State University Extension collaborated with Oklahoma Human Services to launch the “Strong Dads” program in September 2023. This 12-week initiative operates across nine counties, focuses on reinforcing the father-child bond and is offered in both English and Spanish Participants. The program encompasses those facing economic or relational [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern

a group of teens water a recently planted tree

Youth for climate action empowers New York high school advocates for environmental change

Responding to climate change challenges, Cornell Cooperative Extension in New York initiated the Youth for Climate Action Program, empowering high school students to address environmental issues. The Youth for Climate Action Program equips high school advocates with tools to address climate challenges, fostering community engagement and promoting environmental awareness. In 2020, inspired by the Cornell Climate Stewards Program, Extension in [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Climate Resiliency, Cornell University, Extension, New York, Northeast, Workforce Development, Youth Development/4-H

wildfire in the mountains of Del Norte County, northern California

Timely wildfire loss data supports rapid recovery for residents, businesses in northern California

Starting on Aug. 15, 2023, the Smith River Complex fires burned almost 100,000 acres in Del Norte County in northern California. The lightning-sparked fires knocked out the main power line to the small, rural county. On average, residents and businesses were without power for six days. Property burned and food spoiled. To help the community recover some economic losses, University [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, California, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, University of California, Western

4-H fair, agent samples planting for a group of students

4-H buddies help special needs youth experience camp

Camping programs are among the hallmark experiences in 4-H that many young people look forward to every year. But some 4-H participants with special needs, such as disabilities and medical concerns, are unable to participate. In Columbia County, Georgia, a 4-H volunteer approached Extension staff with the idea of hosting an inclusive mini camp. Three two-day programs were held that [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Extension, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Southern, The University of Georgia, Youth Development/4-H

rural barn on the country

Minnesota youth program addresses rural stress

Rural and farm stress has been a challenge for Minnesotans in recent years. Effective programs addressing this issue cannot ignore youths, who are aware of and affected by family stress. For that reason, the University of Minnesota Extension implemented a youth worker training program that bridges research and practice in a variety of ways. Outreach efforts include in-person and virtual [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Minnesota, North Central, University of Minnesota

grilling steaks on the grill

In Louisiana, 4-H-ers “Geaux Grilling” to learn about cooking, meat science

Most Americans are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of raising cattle — yet many consumer surveys indicate that purchasing decisions are influenced by how food is produced. To help beef up the next generation of consumers’ knowledge of animal science, meat selection, cooking techniques and food safety, a Louisiana State University AgCenter 4-H livestock specialist devised the Geaux Grilling [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Extension, Food Systems, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Southern, Youth Development/4-H

fire truck

Georgia 4-H-ers get trained on how to help during natural disasters

In the past five years, Gordon County, Georgia, has dealt with its fair share of natural disasters. Tornadoes, winter weather, hurricanes, flooding and severe thunderstorms have all affected the county. In coping with these challenges, 4-H leaders with University of Georgia Extension realized an opportunity to train youth to be helpers when their community might need them during future [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Georgia, Southern, The University of Georgia, Youth Development/4-H

photo of two older adults using resistance bands for exercise

Supporting healthy aging through activity, social connectedness, positive outlook

The older adult population is growing more rapidly than other age groups in the United States. At the same time, aging stigma and lack of information on aging can affect health outcomes. Land-grant universities across the country have unique programming to aid healthy aging by promoting activity, social connectedness, positive outlook and more. Here are a few examples of that [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Human Health/Wellness, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, University of Wisconsin, Western, Wisconsin

grandfather and grandchildren watering a garden

Arkansas grandparents grow relationship with grandchildren through gardening

An increasing number of grandparents are raising their grandchildren. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Cooperative Extension Program is developing ways to support them and provide necessary resources. One way is by helping grandparents to grow their own food. The university’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences partnered with the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service and the Pine Bluff [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2024, Arkansas, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

photo of plates of healthy foods, including pita, veggies, salmon, chicken, and avocado toast

Improving gut health advances healthful outcomes

Probiotic bacteria have sparked considerable interest in both the food industry and among consumers, thanks to their potential to contribute to disease interventions and enhance human health. These microorganisms must navigate the challenging terrain of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to exert their beneficial effects. Land-grant universities are discovering and sharing ways to improve probiotic absorption and gut health to [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, New Hampshire, Northeast, Research, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of New Hampshire

archery instructor shows young girls how to use a crossbow

Pueblo youths and families collaborate with Extension to build youth programs and opportunities

There are more than 30,000 youths and 4,000 volunteers active in the New Mexico State University Extension 4-H clubs. But reports are limited for Pueblo youth programs offered in New Mexico and volunteer participation is often low. Dedication and continuity of leadership is important for youth programs to grow and thrive. In response, NMSU Extension tribal agents conducted meetings with [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1994, 2024, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Western, Youth Development/4-H