Cooperative Extension
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Department of Agriculture |
| Top Organization | N/A |
| Creation Legislation | Smith-Lever Act |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | The USDA Cooperative Extension delivers science-based knowledge from land-grant universities to the public, focusing on agriculture, health, nutrition, youth development, and community well-being. It aims to educate and empower individuals, families, and communities to improve their quality of life. |
| Program Start | 1914 |
| Initial Funding | Federal formula grants based on state population |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | Yes |
The USDA Cooperative Extension System collaborates with land-grant universities to provide practical, research-based education to people across the U.S. It engages in areas like agriculture, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and community resource development, striving to address local needs with scientific knowledge.
Goals
- Translate research into actionable knowledge for agricultural producers, families, and youth.
- Empower communities through education on health, nutrition, and sustainable practices.
- Develop youth leadership through 4-H programs.
- Support economic development in rural and urban areas.
Organization
The Cooperative Extension System is managed through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the USDA but operates through partnerships with state land-grant universities. Each state has its own extension service, often with county offices. Leadership typically includes a State Extension Director. Funding is a combination of federal, state, and local contributions, with significant support from formula grants under the Smith-Lever Act.
Partners
- Each state's land-grant university operates its own extension service, hence no specific partner listing here.
History
The Cooperative Extension was established with the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914, formalizing the partnership between the USDA, land-grant universities, and local governments to disseminate agricultural and home economics knowledge. Over the decades, it has expanded to include broader community development, health, and environmental education. The program has continuously adapted to societal changes, including the integration of digital resources like eXtension.org for broader educational reach.
Funding
Originally funded through formula grants from Congress based on state population, the Cooperative Extension System receives ongoing funding annually. This includes federal funds, which are matched by state and local contributions. The exact amounts can vary, but funding supports both operational costs and specific program initiatives.
Implementation
The implementation of Cooperative Extension involves:
- Local extension agents living and working in communities to address specific local issues.
- Educational programs delivered through workshops, publications, online resources, and field demonstrations.
- Collaboration with various stakeholders for tailored solutions.
- There is no defined end date as it's an ongoing educational initiative.
Related
External links
Social media
References
"Extension". https://nifa.usda.gov/extension. "Cooperative Extension History". https://nifa.usda.gov/cooperative-extension-history. "Land-Grant Impacts". https://landgrantimpacts.org.