Community Development/Engagement Archives - Page 4 of 6 - Land-Grant Impacts

Topic

students work on a plant-based science experiment

Recruiting the next generation of students to STEM careers

As the population grows, the demand for innovative, science-driven solutions in food production and resource management increases. Agricultural STEM careers will play a vital role in boosting global food security and economic development while sustaining natural resources. The 1890 land-grant universities are key in bridging the gap between high school students and these STEM careers. Here are a few examples [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2025, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Arkansas, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Tennessee, Tennessee State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a person in woodworking shop works at a laptop

Building stronger rural economies: The role of education & entrepreneurship

The Community Economic Development Program at the University of Wisconsin Extension launched research-driven programs to support entrepreneurs, community leaders, and stakeholders. The Wisconsin Rural Entrepreneurial Venture provided three years of coaching to rural communities, helping seven towns strengthen local business ecosystems. The Homegrown program assisted 60 community leaders in underserved areas with economic data analysis, support networks and business [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, Rural Communities/Health, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness

two seniors work in a garden

North Dakota program helps older adults in rural communities live independently

North Dakota is faced with unique challenges in caring for and about its older residents. A documented shift of the state’s population from rural counties to urban areas has resulted in a higher proportion of older adults in small towns and sparsely populated locations. Assuring North Dakota is a good place to live and age well is a complex problem [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Rural Communities/Health

a 4-h participant and leader present a cooked meal

Youth volunteers lead wellness lessons through Mississippi Extension program

In Mississippi, 4-H members are stepping up to educate those in their communities about a wide variety of health topics. Through the Mississippi State University Extension’s 4-H Junior Master Wellness Volunteer Program, 100 youths made 96,000 contacts in 2024 through one-on-one and group presentations, community service projects, social media messages and a health fair. After receiving training and with guidance [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Southern, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a group of campers sit in a circle with their hands raised

Expanding access to high-quality summer learning with Missouri 4-H

Experiential learning helps youth develop essential life skills, yet educational gaps widened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research confirms that quality out-of-school programs improve personal development, academic attitudes and long-term success. To address these challenges, Missouri 4-H expanded programming in 2024, increasing accessibility and forging new partnerships to reach youth. With grant support, Missouri 4-H introduced career exploration programs, simulations and day [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Missouri, North Central, Rural Communities/Health, University of Missouri, Youth Development/4-H

a group of seniors playing a game together in the park

Engaged Neighbors Programs reduce social neighborhood isolation in Missouri

With increasing social isolation impacting American life, the University of Missouri Extension launched the Engaged Neighbor Programs in 2019, recognizing neighborhoods as key to rebuilding social connections. This effort led to the establishment of Missouri Good Neighbor Week in 2022, a statewide initiative promoting civic engagement and stronger communities. In 2024, the weeklong celebration inspired over 31,000 acts of neighboring, [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Missouri, North Central, University of Missouri

cup being filled with water from a sink tap

Water resiliency programs directly help individual households

Water quality is a growing concern due to pollutants in streams, ponds, wetlands and groundwater. Extension programs in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire have successfully raised awareness and promoted remediation. The Pennsylvania State University Water Resources Extension Team created the Safe Drinking Water Clinic, reaching 4,800 people annually. These clinics help identify health and aesthetic standards violations, leading to long-term cost [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New Hampshire, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University of New Hampshire, Water Resilience/Management

farmer looking into the distance

Extension equips Colorado’s rural communities to address mental health challenges

Rural Colorado communities face significant mental health challenges due to isolation, limited access to services, and stigma. Cultural expectations like “Cowboy Up” worsen these barriers. Farmers and ranchers are especially vulnerable, with higher suicide rates than the national average. A 2024 report shows nearly all Colorado counties have behavioral health provider shortages, intensifying the crisis. To address this issue, Colorado [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, Western

a closeup on two people holding hands

Extension helps Wisconsin residents tackle daunting task of end-of-life planning

It’s a subject no one wants to talk about: end-of-life planning. It can be a confusing and emotional topic but being proactive in making these plans can alleviate future stress and financial burden on loved ones. Only 37% of Americans have completed Advance Care Directives. When Extension educators with the University of Wisconsin discovered a need for more educational outreach [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, North Central, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin

a marshy landscape with mountains in the distance

Extension helps Nevada counties gather planning, economic data

When county governments in Nevada apply for grants, want to assess the potential impact of a new industry or respond to federal public land inquiries, they can turn to the Nevada Economic Assessment Project for in-depth, up-to-date data and analysis. Led by Extension professionals with the University of Nevada, the project collects and maintains baseline information on general demographic, social, economic, [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Nevada, University of Nevada Reno, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness

youth learn about financial education in a fair setting

Empowering Arkansas families to make informed financial decisions

The Financial Capability Survey revealed that nearly 20% of Arkansans report spending more than their income, and 50% do not have an emergency savings fund. Additionally, 67% could not correctly answer more than three of five questions about financial management. Extension programs can enhance financial stability, reduce economic stress and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities. The University of Arkansas [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Arkansas, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Southern, University of Arkansas

a young child in a highchair eats a piece of broccoli

Extension educates families on the link between poor diet, dental cavities in young children

Dental decay is the most common chronic condition in children, and those from families with low-income experience poor diet quality and cavities. Families face challenges in promoting healthy diets and dental care to their children due to barriers such as lack of transportation, targeted advertising and limited access to healthy foods. The University of Connecticut Extension supports the SNAP-Ed nutrition [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Extension, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, Research, University of Connecticut

person hiking wearing a baby carrier

Integrating biodiversity conservation with outdoor recreational activities for public well-being

More than 6 million visitors enjoy the trails of the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire annually, as hiking plays a significant role in the state’s recreational tourism economy. A study supported by the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station is investigating how the biological diversity of forests impacts the psychological well-being of hikers, helping understand the relationship between [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Ecosystem Services, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New Hampshire, Northeast, Research, University of New Hampshire

aerial view of rural homes

Multistate research shows health effects from chronic stress impact rural residents more than urban

A study led by a team of Pennsylvania State University researchers has shown that living rurally is associated with more “wear and tear” on the body’s system from exposure to chronic stress than for urban residents. The findings were published in the journal “SSM–Population Health.” Studies have long shown that rural populations in the United States have worse health outcomes than [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Rural Communities/Health, The Pennsylvania State University, Youth Development/4-H

honey sale sign at a farmers market

Developing new farmers, new products and new markets to boost agriculture sector

Many communities across the United States are seeing a decline in the agricultural workforce as experienced farmers retire. This issue has been exacerbated by national declines in new and beginning farmers. Land-grant universities are working to recruit and train new farmers, address their challenges and find ways to help them to thrive, including new crops and new marketing opportunities. [...]

Food Security, Summary 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alaska, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Nevada, Northeast, Organic Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Specialty Crops, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Nevada Reno, University of Vermont, Vermont, Waste Management, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

two teens wearing goggles and using tools in a workshop setting

Missouri Manufacturing Academy builds awareness of career opportunities

In Missouri, manufacturers produce everything from state-of-the-art fighter jets to the powder that is found on Frosted Flakes cereal. The manufacturing sector employs more than 300,000 people in the state with an average annual salary of more than $67,000. Missouri manufacturing facilities, however, have reported challenges in hiring and retaining employees. To help fill this workforce gap — and educate [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Missouri, North Central, University of Missouri, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a group of people outdoors, smiling

Cultivating mental health resilience

The Land-grant University System is tackling mental health challenges through innovative programs. Extension professionals are uniquely positioned to educate and support urban, suburban and rural communities, offering programs that teach coping skills, recognize mental health signs, and normalize conversations about mental health. Addressing mental health is crucial because it enhances overall well-being, improves quality of life and fosters healthier, [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Delaware, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Delaware, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Western, Youth Development/4-H

closeup on hands planting seeds in a garden plot

California Extension partners to plant therapeutic garden for those in transitional housing

California has one of the highest populations of unhoused people in the nation, 44 out of every 10,000 people do not have stable housing. Being unhoused is strongly tied to food insecurity, including a lack of access to fresh foods, like fruits and vegetables. When Alameda County CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California Cooperative Extension (CFHL, UCCE), decided to restart [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, California, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Organic Agriculture

tractor driving through a field

First local food summit energizes Kansas communities

Many communities across the state of Kansas are working to improve their local food systems. However, these efforts often lack cooperation or coordination with other local food programs across the state. The Kansas Local Food Summit was the first event in the state to bring these many groups together. Organized by the local food systems team at Kansas State University, [...]

Food Security, Story 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Kansas, Kansas State University, North Central, Rural Communities/Health

a group of students an instructor work on a project together

Using a floating classroom to inspire future stewards

The Lake Champlain basin is home to nearly 500,000 people in Vermont and New York, with almost half of this population relying on the lake for their drinking water. The lake also supports the region’s economy through jobs, recreation and enjoyment, all of which rely on current and future generations to maintain and protect the water’s quality and access. University [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Northeast, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), University of Vermont, Vermont, Water Resilience/Management, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

Supporting the next generation of ranchers in Texas

The Generation Next course led by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension gives new landowners (or those who expect to inherit land) the knowledge, skills and motivation they need to operate successful ranches and achieve their dreams. The 12-week, online course is taught twice per year covering topics that include understanding agricultural business taxes and insurance, finance tracking, evaluating land resources, land [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Profitability/Competitiveness, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, Workforce Development and Readiness

a farmer pulls a plant from the ground

Reducing barriers to success for new farmers

Beginning farmers face an increased need for educational support and networking to remain profitable. Land-grant universities are working to understand and meet these individual and community needs. Here are a few examples of that work: In Wisconsin, Extension partnered with 12 agricultural associations and community organizations to facilitate focus groups exploring needs of beginning and early career farmers. They introduced Extension [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, Economic Development, Extension, Food Systems, Indiana, North Central, Northeast, Purdue University, University of Connecticut, University of Wisconsin, Western, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness

a mosquito on human skin

Texas vector and tick management education

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Vector Management Program is the state’s only comprehensive educational resource for vector control professionals, providing up-to-date information on insect vectors, disease transmission and management strategies. Established in response to the 2012 West Nile Virus outbreak, which infected 1,868 Texans and resulted in 89 fatalities, the program has since expanded to address a broader range [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist, Pest Management, Public Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, Workforce Development and Readiness

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, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Crop Management, Economic Development, Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, 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 and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Extension, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, 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