2026 Archives - Page 2 of 8 - Land-Grant Impacts

Year

a young girl holds a chick

Extension program bridges poultry knowledge gap for Mississippi youths

Most Mississippi youths have limited exposure to agriculture and little understanding of poultry production, food systems and related careers, despite poultry being the state’s leading agricultural commodity. Declining agricultural literacy and fewer hands-on learning opportunities leave key concepts such as animal care, food production and biosecurity poorly understood. Mississippi State University Extension addresses this gap through Poultry Hatch-Out and the [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Extension, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Southern, Youth Development/4-H

smiling program participant with a certificate

Extension program empowers Alabama entrepreneurs to build successful businesses

Business failures in Alabama mirror national patterns, often fueled by poor planning, weak financial management, ineffective marketing, cash flow problems and ineffective leadership. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Lendio, 23.5% of businesses in Alabama fail within the first year, 45.6% fail within the first 5 years and 63.9% fail within the first 10 years. To help aspiring [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Profitability/Competitiveness

Mother and child smile

Extension program improves well-being for Maine families

The first three years of a child’s life are critical for growth and development. Early identification of developmental delays and subsequent referrals to early intervention services are essential to reduce long-term impacts. Intervention before kindergarten has significant academic, social and economic benefits. University of Maine Cooperative Extension is addressing this need with Maine Families Home Visiting Programs. This effort promotes [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Maine, Northeast, University of Maine

Individuals sitting around a table in a room.

Extension strengthens Nevada’s early childhood workforce

Nevada’s early childhood workforce faces ongoing challenges, including high turnover, limited affordable professional development and the need for consistent, evidence‑based practices. High‑quality early learning relies on well‑prepared educators and leaders who feel supported and confident. University of Nevada, Reno Extension early childhood programming addresses these challenges by providing accessible training pathways, leadership development and nationally recognized credentials. By supporting educators [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Nevada, University of Nevada Reno, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness

High School Students pipetting as fellow high school students wait their turn during a workshop on using precision-cut lung slices to study lung biology

Expanding rural youth access to biomedical research careers

Rural students often have limited access to immersive STEM experiences that expose them to advanced scientific research and biomedical career pathways. Without early engagement and mentorship, many young people, particularly first-generation college students, lack awareness of academic opportunities in health science and regenerative medicine fields. This gap limits workforce pipeline development and participation in high-demand STEM careers. The University of [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), University of Vermont, Vermont, Youth Development/4-H

Unity in Immunity Awareness OKC Bus Wrap Campaign sponsored by Langston University Extension

EXCITE community immunity: Langston University expands vaccine awareness through trusted outreach

Vaccination rates remain low across Oklahoma, particularly in communities experiencing higher poverty and chronic disease, increasing preventable health risks and widening health disparities. Fewer than half of Oklahomans are vaccinated against several common preventable illnesses, according to national public health data. To address this challenge, Langston University Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) partnered with the Extension Collaborative [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Langston University, Oklahoma, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health

Soldier working with laptop at wooden table indoors

Equipping military service providers to strengthen family financial security

Kentucky ranks 11th nationally for active-duty military personnel, with approximately 44,000 service members across the Commonwealth and more than 295,000 veterans calling Kentucky home. While military families benefit from the Department of Defense’s Military Family Readiness System, the effectiveness of this network depends on well-trained professionals equipped with current, research-based tools and resources. To strengthen this workforce, the OneOp Personal [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Kentucky, Southern, University of Kentucky, Workforce Development and Readiness

a group of smiling participants

Empowering volunteer leaders to facilitate supportive networks and personal development

According to the Puerto Rico Department of Health, one in four people in Puerto Rico live with a mental health condition. With research-backed approaches and deep community ties, Extension is particularly equipped to address issues of individual and community health and well-being. To extend its reach, the University of Puerto Rico Agricultural Extension Service consolidated offices in Camuy, Hatillo [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Puerto Rico, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, University of Puerto Rico, Workforce Development and Readiness

a person uses a desktop computer at a library

Connecting rural communities through digital opportunities and education

Limited availability of reliable broadband and digital tools continues to restrict educational attainment, workforce participation and access to essential services in rural Georgia. Communities surrounding Fort Valley State University face persistent digital inequities that disproportionately affect seniors, youth and low-income households. Addressing these gaps is critical to strengthening rural economies and improving service access. Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Rural Communities/Health, Workforce Development and Readiness

power lines in a field

Connecting communities through digital skills, broadband initiatives

Extension programs at land-grant universities address community needs nationwide by expanding digital infrastructure, supporting economic development and building technology skills. These efforts strengthen educational connections and learning opportunities for families, youths and older adults. Here are a few examples of that work: Illinois Extension is partnering statewide to expand broadband planning, funding and adoption. Since 2020, these efforts have leveraged $228 [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, North Central, Purdue University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Farmer spreading feed for cattle

Confronting farm stress through research, Extension

Across the Land-grant University System, outreach and research-based work are critical to strengthening the health, safety and well-being of agricultural communities. By pairing scientific evidence with trusted Extension networks, land-grant universities address urgent challenges while improving quality of life nationwide. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers in Pennsylvania held discussion groups with 68 farm women in Ohio, Vermont [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Florida, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Missouri, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Public Health, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Florida, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri

Collaborative planning strengthens tribal economic resiliency and leadership capacity

Tribal Nations continue advancing economic resiliency efforts for their communities grounded in sovereignty, cultural values and priorities. Strategic planning that reflects Tribal governance structures, supports internal capacity and strengthens leadership skills is essential for addressing complex challenges related to housing, food sovereignty, financial literacy and long-term community well-being. Creating space for Tribal leaders to collaboratively reflect, refine plans and [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Rural Communities/Health, Workforce Development and Readiness

a young girl watches an instructor writing on a blackboard

Building youth mental health support capacity through Extension training

Youth mental health challenges continue to rise nationwide. According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, one in five teens and young adults live with a mental health condition, 10% of youth will experience a substance use disorder in their lifetime, and half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14. These trends highlight the urgent need for trained [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, North Central, Purdue University, Youth Development/4-H

a group of youth at a training

Building West Virginia’s future fire service workforce through youth engagement

Volunteer fire departments across West Virginia face ongoing recruitment and retention challenges threatening emergency response capacity, particularly in rural and economically distressed communities. Aging volunteer memberships, increased training requirements and limited early exposure to fire service careers have weakened the traditional pipeline of new volunteers. To address this workforce gap, the West Virginia University Extension State Fire Training Academy operated [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Northeast, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a stressed farmer looking at a phone

Building healthier communities through land-grant mental health programs

Communities across the United States are affected by mental health challenges. The Land-grant University System is addressing those challenges through programs that provide practical skills training, supportive environments and pathways to healthier, more resilient lives. Here are a few examples of that work: In Oregon, Extension professionals launched the AgriStress Helpline in 2023, providing 24/7 call and text support from suicide-preventionists [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Alaska, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State University, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, Oregon, Oregon State University, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

Wellness on Wheels truck

Empowering community resilience

Community resilience support is a critical function of the land-grant system because it equips individuals, families and local organizations with the knowledge, tools and partnerships needed to adapt to economic, environmental and public health challenges. Through research-based education and Extension outreach, land-grant universities strengthen local capacity, promote equity and help communities not only recover from disruption but build long-term [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Food Security, Hawaiʻi, Langston University, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Public Health, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Wisconsin, Western, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a family in silhouette, holding hands

Extension programs strengthen families through health, parenting initiatives

Healthy and resilient communities are built by supporting families and youths through reliable childcare, mobile health services and strong, healthy relationships. Extension-led efforts strengthen well-being by building life and parenting skills and fostering environments where individuals and families can thrive. Here are a few examples of that work: In 2025, Ohio Extension educators launched a maternal health program to support mothers [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Nevada, North Central, Ohio, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, University of Nevada Reno, Western

two girls sitting at a table with information

Preparing youth for adulthood with financial literacy programs

Youths often enter adulthood unprepared to effectively manage finances. Studies reveal concerning trends, such as that only 24% of students and 20% of their parents believe they are adequately prepared for adult financial challenges, or that 27% of Gen Z individuals have no savings. Without meaningful opportunities to learn budgeting concepts and gain practice with budgeting, managing income and [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

two 4-Hers with their machine at the side of a pool

Building Arkansas’ future workforce through 4-H SeaPerch robotics

Arkansas employers increasingly seek workers with engineering aptitude, mechanical skills, critical thinking ability, teamwork, communication and digital literacy. To help prepare youth for these workforce demands, Arkansas 4-H implemented the SeaPerch underwater robotics program, an experiential STEM initiative that engages students ages nine and older in hands-on engineering, design and problem-solving activities. Through SeaPerch, youth teams design, build and test [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Arkansas, Extension, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Southern, University of Arkansas, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

child playing with building blocks

Building a solid foundation for children

Early childhood is a decisive period in shaping academic achievement, social development and lifelong success. Parents, caregivers and early childhood educators play a central role in fostering the communication, cooperation, decision-making and problem-solving skills that research consistently links to later educational and workforce readiness. Ensuring that the adults in a child’s life have the knowledge and tools to nurture [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a teacher and students look at classwork

Advancing student workforce development in West Virginia

In West Virginia, fewer students are going to college after high school. To meet the state’s workforce demand, 60% of West Virginians need to have some form of degree or certificate. As of 2022, only 45% of the adult population had achieved this level of education. West Virginia University Extension conducted a statewide needs assessment in 2021 and discovered that [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Northeast, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

teens engaging in activities at a workshop

4-H programs prepare youth for college and careers

Professional skills like leadership, communication, problem solving and responsibility are important in any job or career. Land-grant university Extension 4-H programs help youth cultivate these skills to better prepare them for higher education and eventual employment. Here are a few examples of that work: After Missouri employers reported needs for workers skilled in communication, problem solving and collaboration, Extension specialists updated [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Missouri, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), South Dakota, South Dakota State University, University of Missouri, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a 4-H student operates a robot

Engaging students in STEM, robotics

Exposing youth to innovative technology builds digital literacy, problem-solving skills and career readiness, preparing the next generation to compete in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven workforce. Together, youth-focused technology education and land-grant leadership create a pipeline of skilled leaders who can drive economic growth and address complex local and global challenges. Here are a few examples of that work: South Dakota middle [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Extension, Georgia, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, North Central, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Precision Agriculture, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The University of Georgia, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

UConn Extension experts at a well water testing booth

Well water testing improves public health

Clean and safe water is essential to public health, agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Those with private wells are responsible for their own water safety. Without accessible testing, education and coordinated planning, contaminants can threaten drinking water, food safety and ecosystem health, particularly in rural communities. Here are a few examples of that work: In Connecticut, 65% of participating households took [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2026, Connecticut, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Montana, Montana State University, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Public Health, Research, Rhode Island, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Connecticut, University of Rhode Island, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Western

a person looks at a phone screen with a photo of a tick in a wooded area

Robust resource hub, outreach campaign help prevent tick bites, reduce spread of tickborne diseases

Tickborne diseases pose a growing public health threat — most notably Lyme disease, which affects nearly half a million Americans annually. Despite this increasing risk, the number of public health entomologists has declined, creating a critical gap in education and prevention efforts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the urgent need for new tools to [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Northeast, Public Health, Rhode Island, University of Rhode Island