Workforce Development and Readiness Archives - Land-Grant Impacts

Topic

a group of children smile around a science experiment

Land-grant universities support youths, build stronger communities

The Land-grant University System plays a crucial role in equipping young people with the skills, knowledge and leadership abilities they need to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Here are a few examples of that work: In North Carolina, the Bertie DigiCon provided residents with tools and resources to overcome digital barriers. The event raised funds for youth development and [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2025, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Delaware, Extension, Florida, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Northeast, Purdue University, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Southern, Tennessee, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, University of Florida, University of Kentucky, University of Tennessee, University of Vermont, Vermont, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a tractor in a field

Addressing injuries and stress in agriculture

Farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers face significant challenges, from physical strain and injuries to financial uncertainty. Extension programs at land-grant universities address provide essential support tailored to the agricultural community. These programs not only improve individual well-being but also strengthen the resilience of rural economies by ensuring farmers and ranchers have the resources they need to continue their essential [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2025, Extension, Facilities/Infrastructure, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, University of Vermont, Vermont, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness

two scientists look at a tablet

Food industry worker training reduces foodborne illness and enhances workforce development

Foodborne illnesses are a common and costly, yet preventable, public health issue. Training workers in the food industry on food safety issues is critical to public health as well as workforce development. Land-grant universities across the country continue to find innovative and effective methods to train workers on foodborne illness, how to prevent it and how to train other [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2025, Delaware, Economic Development, Extension, Food Safety, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Delaware, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Workforce Development and Readiness

a spread of healthy foods

Youth empowerment leads to healthful resilience

Empowering youth with nutrition and health education essential for building healthier communities. The Land-grant University System provides science-based programs that teach young people how to make informed food choices, develop lifelong healthy habits and understand the connections between nutrition and well-being. By equipping youth with this knowledge, the programs foster resilience, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, University of Vermont, Vermont, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a person loading food into a car trunk

Supporting entrepreneurs, building stronger economies and fortifying food systems

The Land-grant University System empowers entrepreneurs, strengthens local economies and fortifies food systems in communities across the United States. Through their research, education and Extension initiatives, these institutions spark advancements that accelerate economic development and advance food security, ensuring resilient and strong communities. Here are a few examples of that work: Santa Fe County has experienced a decline in the number [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2025, Alaska, Central State University, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Ohio, Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

flowering plants growing in the desert

Extension programs help producers, communities manage pests sustainably

Agricultural land and natural ecosystems face growing threats from invasive and noxious grasses and weeds, feral animals, pests and diseases that impair ecosystem services and agricultural productivity. Chemical pesticides can pose human and environmental health risks. Extension educators at land-grant universities help agricultural producers and communities develop and implement pest management strategies that are cost-effective but also minimize risks. Here [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2025, Alaska, Biofuels/Bioproducts, California, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Forest Protection and Management, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Invasive Species, Michigan, Michigan State University, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Soil Health, Southern, Specialty Crops, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of California, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, University of Vermont, University of Wyoming, Vermont, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Workforce Development and Readiness, Wyoming

a forest

Preserving and managing our forests

Forests provide a variety of goods, including food, lumber, and paper. They also provide wildlife habitat as well as green space and recreation. As natural carbon sinks, forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store carbon in soils. But rising temperatures, pests and diseases pose threats to forests. Researchers, Extension professionals and educators at land-grant universities across the [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2025, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, California, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Forest Protection and Management, Indiana, Invasive Species, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Pest Management, Purdue University, Research, Southern, University of Arkansas, University of California, University of Vermont, Vermont, Western, Wildlife, Workforce Development and Readiness

a person looks at information on their phone and laptop

Extension builds financial resilience for community prosperity

Extension professionals at land-grant universities across the United States are helping communities build financial resilience by providing access to education and resources that foster financial literacy and money management. Here are a few examples of that work: Twenty-one percent of Oklahoma children live below the poverty level. An Extension program called Reality Check helped youths learn money management practices and job [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2025, Arkansas, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Illinois, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, Tennessee, University of Arkansas, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Tennessee, University of Wisconsin, Washington, Washington State University, Western, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

an adult and teen work on a car

Extension programs drive economic growth and community vitality

Especially in rural areas, business owners, local leaders and others can have trouble finding support, information and resources. Across the nation, Extension programs are helping boost local economies and build vibrant communities. Here are a few examples of that work: In Mississippi, Extension professionals lead a program that educates new small business owners about resources and strategies that can help them [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Food Systems, Michigan, Michigan State University, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, Nevada, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Tennessee, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, University of Tennessee, University of Wisconsin, Western, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness

cows

Land-grant university research, outreach support beef production

The United States is the world’s top producer of beef, contributing to about 20% of the world’s production. In 2023, the U.S. beef industry had an estimated value of $102 billion. Land-grant universities are supporting the beef industry through research, Extension and education, ensuring producers remain economically viable and are able to safely meet changing market demands. Here are a [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Missouri, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Pennsylvania, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Missouri, Workforce Development and Readiness

a group of smiling students

Education opportunities elevate agriculture issues and importance

Reaching youths and students early increases awareness of the importance of agriculture and the critical issues impacting producers. Land-grant universities are creating solutions to address educational gaps, improve understanding critical issues like cyber-biosecurity and provide students with practical knowledge, skills and information for the future. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers in New Mexico recognized an opportunity for [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Extension, Fiber Systems, Food Security, Food Systems, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, Research, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Southern, University of Wyoming, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Waste Management, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Wyoming, Youth Development/4-H

peppers

Land-grant universities foster community, student resilience

The 1890 land-grant universities are committed to strengthening communities, farmers and students through meaningful outreach initiatives. Their engagement ensures that resources are tailored to meet local needs such as food security and economic development. Through these efforts, the universities are fostering more resilient communities for generations to come. Here are a few examples of that work: A food bank needs assessment [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2025, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Child and Family Resilience, Extension, Food Security, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Specialty Crops, Tennessee, Tennessee State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, West Virginia, West Virginia State University, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

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

a 4-h leader helps a participant with a planting

Breaking barriers: Expanding 4-H opportunities in Florida

Orange Park, Florida, traditionally had low youth involvement in 4-H due to misconceptions and lack of local clubs. Since 2021, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has worked to increase engagement. A breakthrough came when a St. Johns Country Day School student won the 4-H in Space program, sparking interest in STEM opportunities. In spring 2023, [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Extension, Florida, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Southern, University of Florida, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a 4-H participant smiles next to her show sheep

Illinois 4-H program guides youths on the path to success

Beyond the immediate benefits felt by communities through the service projects spearheaded by 4-H youths, the lasting effects extend far into adulthood. Research shows that individuals who engage with 4-H during their formative years are not only more likely to attain economic stability but also exhibit heightened civic engagement compared to their counterparts in the general population. Commitment to community [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Extension, Illinois, North Central, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

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

smiling person in front of a food truck

FEED Initiative: Empowering Food Entrepreneurs in Wisconsin

Food entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for economic growth, but success requires navigating business planning, licensing and financial regulations. The Food Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development (FEED) Initiative, led by the University of Wisconsin Extension, provides hands-on support to early-stage food businesses. In 2024, FEED connected with over 400 participants through a webinar series, an in-person summit and specialized workshops. The annual [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Economic Development, Extension, Food Systems, North Central, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness

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

a woman farmer checks on a cow

Program for women farmers increases well-being, safety and productivity

Nationally, women account for 36% of all U.S. agricultural producers and 41% of beginning farmers. The Northeast corridor, which extends from Maine to West Virginia, is home to many of the counties with the highest percentage of women farmers. Yet, U.S. Department of Agriculture data consistently show that farms in which a woman is the primary operator tend to be [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Extension, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, University of Vermont, Vermont, Workforce Development and Readiness

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 training participants learn about fire safety

Promoting proactive wildfire mitigation

Many of the large wildfires that occur across Nevada each year happen in wildlands that are adjacent to communities, resulting in large-scale evacuations, substantial loss of property, extensive smoke inhalation and significant economic impacts on business and commerce. Wildfire preparedness education and the implementation of fire adapted community concepts can contribute to the long-term health of Nevada’s landscapes and [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Forest Protection and Management, Nevada, University of Nevada Reno, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness

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