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 that work:

• Wisconsin Extension educators worked to make lessons on the outdoors and science suitable for neurodivergent learners, holding a camp dedicated to providing these youths a comfortable environment for experiential learning and development of socio-emotional skills.
  _{University of Wisconsin; project supported by state appropriations and Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• The Blind People with Great Vision program in Puerto Rico empowers people with vision challenges to serve as volunteers and positively impact their neighbors through a food bank, community kitchen and community garden.
  _{University of Puerto Rico; project supported by USDA Capacity – Extension and USDA competitive funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• The Women and Minorities in STEM project in Mississippi offered high school students the chance to complete an 11-course module and a three-day camp focused on science. The goal was to help build a qualified STEM workforce that represents and benefits rural women and minorities.
  _{Mississippi State University. See full statement.}
  
  
• Vermont Extension employees organized Let’s Have Each Others’ Backs, a professional development session aimed at exploring tools for disrupting harassment and disrespectful behaviors in the workplace. They learned strategies for detecting bias, intervening in situations and supporting coworkers.
  ^{University of Vermont; project supported by USDA competitive and Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• In Indiana, an Extension program called Pláticas Familiares, or family chats, affords Latino residents a safe space for conversation. The monthly chats help them learn about resources in the community.
  _{Purdue University; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• In nature-deprived and financially distressed communities in Connecticut, Extension is promoting the communal management of urban forests. The effort encompasses forestry education, relationship building and the incorporation of green spaces where people can enjoy nature.
  _{University of Connecticut; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• A newly formed 4-H club in American Samoa gives young people a safe, healthy space to learn about agriscience while developing skills to create sustainable community change.
  _{American Samoa Community College. See full statement.}