North Central – Land-Grant Impacts

Region

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

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

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

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

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 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

peppers being sliced on a cutting board

Supporting families with community nutrition programs

Youths and adults face a variety of health issues, from food insecurity to cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. Cooperative Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) serve low-income residents nationwide and help address these issues by helping participants eat healthy, shop on a budget and stay active. Here are a few examples [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1994, 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Michigan, Michigan State University, Missouri, New York, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Missouri

a shot of a person from the knees down, wearing jeans and athletic shoes

Fitness programs change lifestyles and health

Physical activity that increases the heart rate helps to decrease health risks and provides additional health benefits such as improved sleep, lower cholesterol and improved mental health. Fitness programs including walking and dancing are accessible to almost anyone, easy to start and can lead to behavior changes and positively impact residents’ health and well-being by decreasing risks for obesity, [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1890, 2024, Arkansas, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Indiana, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Purdue University, Southern, University of Arkansas

two scientists analyze samples in a food lab

Understanding how natural chemicals in food affect health

The foods and drinks we consume contain natural chemicals like vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, toxicants and hormones that can positively or negatively impact human health. Since 1971, a multistate project has brought together researchers at 22 land-grant universities to research the effects of these dietary bioactive chemicals. Studies shed light on mechanisms involved in bioactivity and determined how agricultural practices [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Connecticut, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State University, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Research, Rutgers University, Southern, Tennessee, University of Connecticut, University of Guam, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Tennessee, University of Wisconsin, Utah, Utah State University, Western, Wisconsin

closeup photo of hands in a meditative pose

Innovative approaches to mental well-being

The need to care for our mental well-being is more evident than ever, post-pandemic. More than half of Americans report COVID-19 has negatively impacted their mental health. Extension networks across the country are working to tackle this crisis, often employing new and innovative programming. Here are a few examples of that work: In Michigan, the Mental Health First Aid program trains [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Michigan, Michigan State University, Montana, Montana State University, Nevada, North Central, University of Nevada Reno, Western

house for rent sign

Improving housing security through renter education

Challenges with securing and maintaining housing underpin many societal challenges, and a lack of understanding about the issues and what can be done persists. To address this issue, University of Minnesota Extension provided renter education for individuals, community members and community organizations. Generally, community members had a low income, needed to build credit and rental histories, were new to [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Minnesota, North Central, University of Minnesota

group of women talking

Extension boosts resilience in rural South Dakota communities

With the advancement of technology and a greater interest toward rural migration, rural communities have more opportunities to attract and capture new talent, entrepreneurs and working populations who can build local economies. For that reason, South Dakota State University Extension responded to the demographic changes happening in the rural Great Plains by creating Marketing Hometown America. This Extension-based program helps [...]

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

a man holding a wood pallet in a workshop

Nebraska eCommunities program boosts rural economies

In rural Nebraska, many communities have experienced population losses leading to a decline in economic activity. Since 2021, an Extension program from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has offered support for business owners in 20 communities in 12 rural counties, helping them set and develop strategies for achieving their goals. The Nebraska Entrepreneurial Communities, or eCommunities, initiative sets up a steering [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Nebraska, North Central, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

high school students in a computer lab

Illinois program prepares high schoolers for college success

Getting a college degree can significantly boost one’s career and income prospects. But many students who start college drop out and don’t finish — a phenomenon many experts believe stems from barriers to accessing resources that could aid their academic success. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for high schoolers who intend to apply for college to never actually do so, [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Extension, Illinois, North Central, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Workforce Development, 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

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

closeup photo of hands chopping asparagus on a cutting board, in an industrial looking kitchen

Training the next generation of culinary professionals

The food industry can be a path to economic stability. But to ensure public health, workers must know about foodborne illness, how to prevent it and how to train other employees. Trained individuals can also explore nontraditional culinary paths, which can have benefits for the home and family. Here are a few examples how land-grant institutions are contributing: Michigan Extension trains [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Economic Development, Extension, Food Safety, Georgia, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Southern, The University of Georgia, Workforce Development, Youth Development/4-H

a group of smiling participants in athletic clothing flex their arms

Strength training program builds health and resilience

Chronic disease and health disparities are increasing. Physical activity, particularly through strength training, is one way to counteract these negative outcomes. Strength training contributes to enhanced bone density, joint flexibility, metabolic function and improvements in daily living activities, in addition to building muscle strength. Less than 15% of residents age 65 and older get the recommended amounts of aerobic [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 1994, 2024, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, North Central, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin

a forest dappled in sunlight

Natural resources foster healthy habits and reduce stress

“Forest bathing” is a term for immersing oneself in forests and other natural environments. A research-based framework shows the benefits of forest and natural environment immersion, including increased physical and mental well-being, reduced stress, improved creativity and happiness. This can lead to a happier family, community and work environment. However, participation is limited because of a lack of access [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central

closeup photo of two people holding hands

Minnesota takes a community approach to opioid epidemic

Drug overdose deaths have increased drastically in Minnesota in the last few years, with greater Minnesota having a larger increase than the metro area for the first time in a decade. The increased use of fentanyl is a contributing factor in this surge. In response, University of Minnesota Extension and partners worked together to create C.O.P.E. (Community-based Opioid Prevention and [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 1994, 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Minnesota, North Central, University of Minnesota

a cup of soy milk and bowl of soybeans

Research shows enriching plant milk with algae fatty acids increases intake of nutrient

Fish oil contains two fatty acids, called Omega-3s, that provide health benefits including reducing the risk of cardiac death and lowering inflammation. However, a large portion of the population is not consuming the recommended amount of fish and its oil due to high cost, dietary restrictions, mercury levels, general dislike and other factors. Algae contains the same fatty acids, [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, North Central, Ohio, Research, The Ohio State University

young boy bites into a piece of watermelon

Grow Getters instills early healthy habits

Good health in the early years leads to physical and cognitive development that enables youths to thrive and become healthy adults. Early care and education providers can teach healthy behaviors to young children if resources are available in a grab-and-go format. South Dakota State University Extension professionals created Grow Getters to provide nutrition and physical activities through garden concepts [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, North Central, South Dakota, South Dakota State University

senior citizen does an exercise inside a greenhouse

An innovative program for preventing falls in older adults

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Major risk factors for falls are inactivity, muscle weakness and balance issues. A program newly implemented by the North Dakota Extension Service seeks to improve strength, balance, mobility and daily function, reducing participants’ risk of falling, all while feeling more like recreation and less like traditional [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University

a woman looking at a laptop in her home

Virtual programs support healthy lifestyles

Programs that support healthy lifestyles, including nutrition, physical activity and mental health, provide critical education, support and resources for many residents. COVID-19 forced programs online and the Land-grant University System continues offering online options to positively impact residents and support their healthy lifestyles. Virtual programs offer greater flexibility for participants, allowing more to engage in and benefit from the [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary Child/Family Resilience, Extension, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Illinois, Indiana, North Central, Purdue University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign