Economic Development Archives - Land-Grant Impacts

Topic

young child walking in strawberry patch

Land-grant university research and Extension support resilience for youths, families and communities nationwide

Here are a few examples of that work: The effectiveness of the Department of Defense’s Military Family Readiness System depends on well-trained Extension professionals with research-based tools and resources. Extension specialists in Kentucky contributed by providing personal finance training to military service providers so they can pass on knowledge, tools and resources that help military families prevent and navigate financial [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Arkansas, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Hawaiʻi, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, Michigan, Michigan State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, New York, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Missouri, Urban Agriculture, Utah, Utah State University, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

Vegetables for sale at a farmers market stand.

Research and Extension ensure everyone has ample access to affordable, safe, nutritious food

Invasive pests damage crops, costing U.S. agriculture an estimated $30 billion every year. Pest management research and Extension stabilize the food supply chain. Researchers and Extension specialists in Oregon, developed cost-effective alternatives to glyphosate for herbicide-resistant Russian thistle control, protecting more than 30,000 acres of wheat and preventing over $1 million in yield losses so far.Oregon State University Extension Service. [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arizona, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Cornell University, Crop Management, Delaware, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Florida, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Forest Protection and Management, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Invasive Species, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Maryland, Massachusetts, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Montana, Montana State University, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New York, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Research, Rhode Island, Rural Communities/Health, Rutgers University, Soil Health, Southern, Specialty Crops, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, University of Florida, University of Idaho, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nevada Reno, University of Puerto Rico, University of Rhode Island, Urban Agriculture, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Wildlife, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

A river bisects a field and forested riparian area

Research and Extension support resilient ecosystems

Recent studies and programs are conserving and protecting water used for drinking, fishing, irrigation and recreation. Washington research helped establish 25 anaerobic digesters across the Pacific Northwest, turning dairy manure from more than 143,000 cows into biogas that provides more than 126 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy per year. Digesters decrease water quality risks associated with nutrient runoff from manure [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, California, Central State University, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Extension, Facilities/Infrastructure, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Florida, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Forest Protection and Management, Georgia, Guam, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Invasive Species, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, Tennessee, Tennessee State University, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Guam, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nevada Reno, University of New Hampshire, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Utah, Utah State University, Vermont, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

Land-grant university research and Extension drive new biofuels, bioplastics, biochar and other bio-based products, strengthening rural economies, environmental health and energy security

Here are a few examples of that work: Partnering with a private company, scientists in Pennsylvania roduced and tested biomaterials to replace single-use, petroleum-based plastics. New composites made from cellulose and starch have improved stability and barrier properties and have been developed into compostable food packaging and handling products; adhesives and foams for packaging, wood composites and construction materials; and [...]

Agricultural Systems, Energy and Bioproducts 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Biofuels/Bioproducts, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Missouri, National Security, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Precision Agriculture, Research, Soil Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, University of New Hampshire, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, West Virginia, West Virginia State University, Western, Wildlife

A drone flies over a field.

Research and Extension make agricultural systems more efficient, profitable, competitive and resilient

Strategies and tools for managing crop pests and diseases have increased productivity and profitability. For example: Extension units across the nation offer plant and pest diagnostic clinics. In New Mexico, free diagnoses saved producers an estimated $36,000 in testing fees in 2025, while also supporting biosecurity and export compliance. In Indiana, lab results and recommendations saved clients $890,000 in reduced [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Alaska, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arizona, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, California, Clemson University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Florida, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Kentucky, Langston University, Lincoln University, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, National Security, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, South Carolina, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M University, The University of Georgia, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, University of New Hampshire, University of Puerto Rico, University of Tennessee, University of Vermont, Urban Agriculture, Vermont, Virginia, Virginia State University, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Workforce Development and Readiness, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

two people in business attire look at a document

Train-the-Trainer model enhances financial professionals’ ability to increase financial literacy in clients

Finance professionals play a key role in helping American families increase financial literacy and stability. While technology has made it easier for people to learn about finance, limited financial literacy and distrust in finance professionals among low-to-moderate income earners illustrates the need for finance professionals to better reach this audience. The University of Maryland Extension uses a train-the-trainer approach to [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Economic Development, Extension, Maryland, Northeast, University of Maryland, Workforce Development and Readiness

Buffalo Bayou Park Houston, flooded after Hurricane Beryl

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides disaster relief and recovery

In 2025, the state of Texas experienced 31 severe weather events, including drought, floods and major fires. The Texas State Emergency Operations Center activated 21 times in 2025 for a total of 94 days. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment and Recovery (DAR) is an educational network that focuses on preparing for, mitigating and responding to disasters. The DAR [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Facilities/Infrastructure, Food Safety, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University

Strengthening and building cooperative businesses to support employees, consumers and local producers

Cooperative businesses, or co-ops, are jointly owned by members, including consumers, employees and producers. Because Co-ops have different business and profit-sharing models than investor-owned, for-profit corporations, they are unique in their ability to drive local wealth creation and support social and economic community stability by strengthening local food systems and providing nutritious local farm products. Co-ops are important sources [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Economic Development, Extension, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness

an instructor tutors an adult student

Reducing barriers to strengthen community resilience across Florida

Nearly half of Pasco County households (more than 109,000) struggle to meet basic needs. Of the county’s 230,060 households, 28,079 live below the federal poverty line, while 80,928 fall under the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. East Pasco communities face the greatest hardship, with 62% of Zephyrhills residents, 58% of Lacoochee residents and 52% of Dade City [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Economic Development, Extension, Florida, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, University of Florida

One of the participants in the Training for Teens program prepares a science experiment for his after-school class.

Preparing Oregon’s youths for leadership, lifelong success

Oregon employers report that many youths enter the workforce without essential employability skills, including communication, teamwork and time management. To address this gap, Oregon State University Extension Service 4‑H Youth Development partnered with the Umatilla School District after‑school program to create the Teens as Leaders curriculum. In 2024, 12 youths completed a 10‑hour, weeklong training focused on leadership, communication, teamwork, [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Oregon, Oregon State University, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a woman paying bills

Improving financial literacy and well-being in adults

Adults in the U.S. often struggle with financial well-being. They face challenges including insufficient savings, debt struggles and confusion around changing tax codes. The Land-grant University System helps adults improve their financial literacy and stability. Here are a few examples of that work: In-person and virtual finance education programs in South Dakota taught fiscal management practices and consumer economics that helped [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State University, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Purdue University, Rural Communities/Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, University of Maryland, Workforce Development and Readiness

a group of smiling college students

Immersive study abroad builds language skills and global readiness in Arkansas

University students must develop foreign language fluency and cross-cultural competence to remain competitive in today’s global workforce. Traditional classroom instruction often limits opportunities for real-world language practice and cultural immersion, creating gaps in applied communication skills. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, through its Office of International Programs and Studies and the Department of English, Humanities and Foreign Languages, launched [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Arkansas, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Profitability/Competitiveness, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Youth Development/4-H

a woman helps a senior man on the computer

Free tax prep pays dividends

Paying taxes is a civic responsibility that funds essential public services. Unfortunately, many people face barriers to affordable, accurate tax preparation. Free tax assistance programs, such as the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), offer high-quality services to low-income earners, students, retirees, individuals with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers. In 2025, Kansas State [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Kansas, Kansas State University, North Central, Rural Communities/Health

hands writing

Extension teaches local leaders to secure grant funding for community vitality efforts

Grant funding is a critical resource for organizations, nonprofits and communities, particularly small or rural communities with limited budgets. Local leaders have strong ideas and informed understandings of needs in their community but often lack the expertise or confidence to pursue and secure grant funding. Extension is uniquely positioned to support rural economic development by bridging this knowledge gap [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, North Central, South Dakota, South Dakota State University

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

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

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

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

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

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 senior couple holds hands and looks at their land

Reducing farm stress

Farm stress management addresses the unique mental, emotional and financial pressures that agricultural producers face, helping them build resilience as they confront unpredictable weather, volatile markets and demanding workloads. Supporting farmers’ well‑being is critical not only for their personal health but also for the stability and sustainability of our food systems and rural communities. Extension plays an essential role [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1890, 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Guam, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Public Health, Purdue University, Rural Communities/Health, University of Guam, Western

UME Agent, Shauna Henley, preparing mason jars for sterilization

Extension trainings keep Americans safe from foodborne illness

Foodborne illness is a widespread, costly public health concern in the United States. Each year, one in six Americans becomes sick from contaminated food, leading to hospitalizations, long-term health complications and even death. Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases are most at risk. Because food safety risks can occur at [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Public Health, Rhode Island, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Maryland, University of Rhode Island, University of Wyoming, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Wyoming