Extension Today

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University has a long history of forming community partners. That’s why ELI Thrive, a nonprofit organization in Birmingham, did not have to look far to find a partner with a desire to serve people.

ELI Thrive’s Chief Operating Officer Myron Thomas first heard about Alabama Extension by seeking to make their entrepreneurial program better.

“We have a workforce development coach, and three years ago, we started an entrepreneurial program internally that served our clients well, but we knew we could do better. So, while attending a job fair, she found out that Alabama Extension provided resources regarding an entrepreneurial program. We started conversations and formed a partnership to form the Birmingham Community Incubator.”

Thomas liked the quality of the content at Alabama Extension. “We really admired the content, as well as the desire to serve clients. That was a desire we also had, so if we could align two organizations or three organizations around that same like-minded ability to serve our clients, then we knew that the sky would be the limit.”

The ELI Thrive-Alabama Extension partnership has existed for more than two years, beginning with the Birmingham Community Incubator, which has quadrupled its reach across the city. Then in 2023, the partnership was extended to include Extension’s Financial Literacy in Progress program. This program has also been successful in helping families find greater financial stability.

Partnerships are not one-sided. Alabama Extension staff are aware that collaborative partnerships strengthen their ability to better serve the people of Alabama.

Dr. Emran Ali of Alcorn State University (ASU) and Dr. Henry English of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) have teamed up to advance biosecurity for underserved family farms in Mississippi and Arkansas.

Their project, “Education and Application of Portable Crop Disease Detection Technologies to Improve Biosecurity for Underserved Family Farms,” focuses on the early and accurate detection of crop diseases, which can devastate yields and threaten small-scale farmers’ livelihoods. Using cutting-edge portable technologies, the project aims to equip farmers with the tools and knowledge to protect their crops and ensure sustainable practices.

“We are thrilled to receive this support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This grant will bring innovative solutions directly to farmers, helping them detect and manage crop diseases quickly and effectively,” said Ali, the project’s lead researcher.

The project will offer education, training and the deployment of state-of-the-art diagnostic devices to enable real-time, on-site disease detection. Workshops will educate farmers, Extension agents and community members on using these tools, reducing reliance on costly lab testing. A network of support and resources will also provide expert advice and ongoing assistance. This initiative highlights the USDA’s commitment to innovative agricultural research and has the potential to improve biosecurity and stability for family farms across the region.

For more information about the project, contact Ali at (601) 877-6129 or eali@alcorn.edu.

Delaware State University (DSU), through its Cooperative Extension Program, is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Northeast Climate Hub. This consortium of public and private sector entities and land-grant universities helps provide science-based knowledge and practical information to farmers and land managers concerning climate impacts.

It is through DSU’s connection with the Climate Hub and relationship with Cornell University that Dr. Rose Ogutu, DSU Extension horticulture specialist, and Dr. Gulnihal Ozbay, associate dean for Cooperative Extension and applied research, leveraged grant funding for climate-smart technology in partnership with the University of Minnesota. This project also aligns perfectly with the new USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Center of Excellence for Emerging Technologies led by DSU.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Climate Institute, consisting of six universities (Delaware State, Colorado State, Cornell, Minnesota, North Carolina State and Purdue), is bolstering collaborative research across the country to scale up solutions to the tremendous challenges associated with climate change. AI-enabled technologies are helping farmers and foresters improve yields and use resources more sustainably to reduce the agricultural sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate change requires concerted societal action, in which machine learning can play an impactful role. The issue is pressing with major implications for societal well-being, particularly for the world’s most disadvantaged populations.

As of today, DSU has completed the first year of this project with surveys and workshops that are targeted to introduce these climate-smart farming practices, what technology application looks like and what would be most useful.

The College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS) and the Cooperative Extension Program at Florida A&M University have joined forces on the 1890 Center of Excellence Student Success and Workforce Development (SSWD) Project. Led by Dr. Neil James, associate dean for academic programs, and Conchita Newman, associate director of the Cooperative Extension Program, this initiative equips undergraduate students with hands-on experiences in agricultural sciences.

A key component, the Cooperative Extension Apprenticeship Program pairs 11 student apprentices with four Extension faculty members across agriculture, natural resources, 4-H youth development, community development and family and consumer sciences. The program enables students to address real-world challenges while contributing to communities in the Big Bend area.

This initiative focuses on mentorship, skill-building, community engagement and academic integration. Students apply classroom knowledge to practical issues like sustainable farming, youth leadership and family wellness, gaining invaluable experience while building professional networks to enhance their career opportunities in agribusiness and food sciences.

By merging academic learning with community outreach, CAFS and the Cooperative Extension Program are preparing students to excel in agriculture and food sciences. The program fosters leadership and workforce readiness, providing participants with a deeper understanding of Extension careers and the tools to make lasting, positive impacts on the communities they serve.

Residents in Roberta, Georgia, visiting David Bailey Park will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi thanks to Fort Valley State University’s (FVSU) Cooperative Extension Program.

The new Wi-Fi hotspot is made possible by the Fort Valley State University-Communiversity: Piloting an Ecosystem for Digital Equity Grant. This is funded by the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA). FVSU is partnering with Public Service Telephone Company to provide the service.

The purpose of the grant is to provide broadband access and accessibility to communities within 15 miles of FVSU.

Courtney Howard, project director for FVSU’s NTIA grant, said the free Wi-Fi in the park will allow Crawford County residents to access the internet. It will also provide the city with a key resource during events such as Peaches to Beaches and Crawford County’s Fall Festival.

Furthermore, Howard said that students in Crawford County who do not have Wi-Fi at home can use the service available at the park.

Sharon Sanders, county manager for the Crawford County Board of Commissioners, said the Wi-Fi service is very beneficial for residents.

“So many people and families cannot afford Wi-Fi services through their phone or an internet provider. This is a way that kids can come in, log on, do homework and complete the things they need to do,” said the Crawford County official.

Dr. Mark Latimore Jr., associate dean for Extension at FVSU, said FVSU is very proud and excited to partner with the Public Service Telephone Company to provide service to Roberta residents.

Over the summer, Kentucky State University (KSU) partnered with CHI Saint Joseph Health, the More in Common Alliance and the Morehouse School of Medicine to offer a summer program focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and health careers to about 50 middle school, high school and college students from Fayette and Franklin counties. This weeklong residential academy, More in Common STEM and Health Careers Academy, held at KSU exposed students to a wide variety of experiential learning opportunities.

More in Common Alliance initiated the academy with the mission to address the underlying causes of inequities in health care, including the lack of representation among care providers. The academy seeks to address this problem by providing an opportunity for students to receive insight into health care and STEM career pathways, thereby encouraging diversification within the fields. Students participated in dissections, CPR certification training, drone use in farming, clinical skills simulations, veterinary research and much more.

“Kentucky State University is proud to celebrate this collaborative initiative to foster young minds in the STEM areas,” said Dr. Koffi Akakpo, KSU president. “We collectively recognize exposing students early and often in STEM fields can promote opportunities that spur career choices in these fields.”

The Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (SL/SAAS) at Langston University takes pride in working hand-in-hand with producers to address production constraints and foster a two-way exchange of knowledge. This collaborative approach allows SL/SAAS scientists to gain firsthand insight into the realities of farming conditions and develop impactful solutions to enhance farm sustainability.

One recent success story highlights the power of this partnership: a project utilizing goats to manage unwanted vegetation. Targeting producers with diverse production systems, the initiative addressed challenges posed by invasive plants such as lespedeza, blackberries Eastern redcedar, invasive pear trees and other forbs. Producers, many of whom had no prior experience raising goats, were provided with ElectroNet fencing and goats to tackle these issues.

The results were transformative. Producers reported significant reductions in invasive plant species, with one noting that the goats' efforts cleared vegetation, allowing grass to grow that would support cattle grazing. Inspired by the success, one producer purchased goats of their own, while another plans to follow suit.

This collaboration also yielded valuable lessons for SL/SAAS Extension personnel, including a deeper understanding of goats’ versatility in vegetation management, project management strategies and potential challenges to address in future initiatives. Producers, in turn, gained insights into integrating goats into their farming systems and unlocking new opportunities to boost productivity and sustainability.

Through partnerships like this, Langston University SL/SAAS continues to strengthen ties with producers while driving impactful change in agricultural practices.

The Paula J. Carter Center on Minority Health and Aging (PJCCMHA) at Lincoln University hosted the 26th Missouri Institute on Minority Aging (MIMA), focusing on “Building Bridges to a World with Artificial Intelligence (AI).” The conference united community leaders aged 65 and older from across Missouri to explore AI’s potential to improve daily life and health.

PJCCMHA Director Yvonne Matthews emphasized empowering older adults to navigate emerging technologies, driven by her personal experiences. In collaboration with Lincoln University staff and external organizations, including the Department of Health and Senior Services, the conference featured interactive sessions, expert speakers and practical demonstrations.

Dr. Donald Wunsch II, a leading AI expert, highlighted AI’s benefits for aging populations, such as enhanced medical diagnostics, while stressing ethical considerations and privacy concerns. Workshops, led by Lincoln University educators and partners, demonstrated AI’s everyday applications, such as avoiding tech scams, managing tasks with smart home devices and meal planning. A standout session showcased ChatGPT's ability to generate affordable, nutritious meal plans, with participants sampling dishes prepared by LU’s culinary team.

Missouri’s Master Plan on Aging was introduced, focusing on housing, transportation and holistic health for aging and disabled populations. This aligns with demographic projections showing adults aged 60 and older will make up more than 25% of Missouri’s population by 2030.

Participants left inspired and eager to explore AI further. The PJCCMHA, in collaboration with its partners, remains committed to reducing disparities and improving the quality of life for aging minority populations through education, health literacy and the strategic use of technology.

Small-scale farmers joining North Carolina A&T Cooperative Extension’s educational program hopped on a bus in October for a two-day tour of some of the most innovative farms in the state.

Some had decades of experience while others were, well, new to the field, so to speak. All were interested in learning about organic, sustainable and climate-smart farming. More than 30 farmers took the Oct. 14-15 tour, organized by the Cooperative Extension N.C. A&T and North Carolina State.

They traveled to eight farms in Durham and Franklin counties that featured a bit of everything: flowers, fruits, vegetables, grain, hemp, cattle, pigs, chickens and even some tips on stocking fishing ponds.

Host farmers and Extension agents and specialists also talked about organic certification, farming as a nonprofit, agritourism, food ministry and marketing. One even provided suggestions for how couples can approach dividing up the work, which goes far beyond tilling soil.

“Anything a small-scale farm can do in a real-life situation we attempted to get a flavor and learn from eight peer farms,” said Biswanath Dari, Ph.D., an assistant professor and natural resource specialist with Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T.

Suresh Wachhe, who started farming in September with his wife, Mamata, found the tour helpful. “We got a lot of hands-on knowledge of how the farming happens in each of the fields,” he said. “The fields chosen by the Extension are extremely beneficial because it chose different kinds of farmers.”

On a sunny Saturday morning, the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Extension's Wellness in Houston College of Nursing unit successfully hosted a vibrant Lupus Walk event, in partnership with the Lupus Foundation. The event aimed to raise awareness and funds for lupus research and support services while emphasizing the importance of maintaining overall wellness through informed lifestyle choices.

One of the highlights of the event was the participation of the Wellness in Houston mobile kitchen unit. Staff and volunteers delivered engaging food demonstrations, showcasing nutritious and affordable recipes to encourage participants to make healthier dietary choices. Attendees sampled fresh, wholesome snacks and learned creative ways to incorporate fruits, vegetables and lean proteins into their daily meals.

College of Nursing students played an integral role by conducting free health screenings. Participants were able to check their blood pressure, glucose levels and other vital health indicators. Wellness in Houston’s dedication to blending education, outreach and health awareness left a lasting impact on attendees, furthering the impact of PVAMU Extension and the university’s mission to support the local community.

South Carolina State University’s First-Year Experience program and Alpha Alpha Alpha First-Generation Honor Society (Tri-Alpha) recently collaborated with the 1890 Research & Extension program to host a cooking class tailored for students.

Dr. Rhea Bentley led the collaboration. Bentley serves as a leader of family and consumer sciences agents and staff of the 1890 Extension in programming in family, nutrition and health for the citizens of South Carolina.

The event featured healthy recipes that students could easily prepare in their dorm rooms. The participants explored diverse ingredients and techniques, learning to enhance taste and presentation.

“It was inspiring to see students engage with the process, learning practical skills they can carry forward,” Bentley said. She described the session as educational and a stepping stone for future events.

Dr. Lisa Sparks, the executive director of SC State’s First-Year Experience program, expressed pride in the growing first-generation community, emphasizing the society’s commitment to supporting and empowering trailblazers.

Tri-Alpha defines a first-generation student as one whose parents or stepparents did not complete a four-year college or university degree. SC State’s First-Year Experience program guides freshmen through their first year of higher education, setting them on the right course toward graduation.

For more information about First-Year Experience and first-generation students, contact Sparks at lspark1@scsu.edu or visit https://scsu.edu/first_year_experience.php.

The Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Team in the Southern University Ag Center’s Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) collaborates with various organizations, agencies and stakeholders to support small farmers in Louisiana. These partnerships provide technical assistance, resources and educational opportunities to enhance agricultural practices, economic viability and sustainability.

Here are key collaborators and the reasons for these partnerships:

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a primary partner for Southern University’s CEP, as it provides funding, grants and technical support for agricultural development. The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) supports Extension activities that help improve farming practices and increase economic opportunities for farmers.
• The LSU AgCenter is a key collaborator, sharing research and resources that complement the work of Southern University’s CEP. The LSU AgCenter has a strong focus on research and outreach in the areas of agriculture, natural resources and food systems. We share educational programs and provide training on the best farming practices. This collaboration strengthens both institutions’ ability to serve farmers.
• The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) regulates and supports agriculture and forestry in Louisiana. Southern University’s CEP works closely with LDAF to advocate for and support small and minority farmers. We collaborate on policy, disaster relief efforts, funding programs and providing farmers with technical assistance. This ensures underserved communities have access to resources and support.

Through these collaborative efforts, the SU Ag Center has supported small Black and limited-resource farmers to ensure they receive the tools, resources and knowledge needed for their farms to succeed, improve their sustainability and thrive for generations to come.

Over the last year, Dr. Jason de Koff had the opportunity to work collaboratively with researchers from the Rural Population Research Network (RPRN). Faculty from Penn State University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University and the Southern Rural Development Center worked to develop, implement and evaluate listening sessions that focused on the changing populations of rural communities.

Four online listening sessions were held with each focused on a different topic: agriculture and food systems, community and economic development, environment and natural resources, and health, health care and disability services. Participants were recruited through Regional Rural Development Centers and collaborators’ Cooperative Extension Systems.

The listening sessions engaged more than 80 participants and culminated in a report provided through the RPRN. Among the major findings were that declining rural communities are losing fresh food access due to store closures and declines in information access due to the loss of local newspapers and radio stations and limited broadband.

Those rural areas that are growing from an influx of businesses and new residents are seeing greater demands on natural resources and utility infrastructure. One of the greatest stakeholder needs identified was the need for more localized data and case studies to help identify policies that work under different changing rural conditions.

Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension (TUCE) works to have collaborative partnerships, such as the Empowering Farmers grant, which was a joint program with Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems (ACES) and the Communities Improvement Association. The Building a Food Safety Training to Empower Disadvantaged Producers program for Alabama Black Belt farmers would benefit them.

The program provided farmers with food safety techniques and training. Farmers received materials and resources and could display and showcase what they learned at the farmers market days.

ACES specialist Janice Hall indicated that the partners had disadvantaged farmers in mind as they worked through the development of the program. She said, “Extension saw a need in Black Belt communities to ensure that farmers understood the requirements related to food and produce safety to be a farmers market vendor.”

She meant that the printed materials were in large print, and the essential information was bolded to assist farmers with poorer eyesight. All the workshops and training used the PA system to ensure the farmers could hear well.

Farmers with low literacy were also among those who received additional resources. Hall said, “They went into the project knowing they wanted to lower the curriculum’s literacy level to a sixth-to-eighth-grade level.”

According to Anthony Pinkston, president of the Communities Improvement Association, this was a great project through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

“We know that our farmers now know how to handle food safely to make sure that it is safe for the public to consume,” Pinkston said. “Any time we have that situation, it is good for everybody.”

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Extension 4-H STEM succeeded in making a free, weeklong youth summer science camp available to a historically Black maritime community thanks to a collaboration with its county Extension office.

The Bellevue community, located nearly two hours from the UMES campus in Princess Anne, Maryland, lies on the north shore of the Tred Avon River across from the small town of Oxford. A historic ferry (1683) connects the three-quarter miles between the two. Bellevue was home to seafood packing plants from 1899-1998. Like many small Eastern Shore towns, it is now fighting gentrification and extreme weather events.

When community leaders reached out to UMES Extension to help organize a STEM experience for youths during the summer, the educators contacted 4-H colleagues at the University of Maryland’s Extension Talbot County office. UMES contributed technical and financial support, while the county Extension office provided day-to-day logistical and teaching services.

“As a result, a small team of Bellevue volunteers succeeded in offering an amazing day camp with hands-on activities to about 40 youths who had never participated in a 4-H-connected program before,” said Ariel Clay, the 4-H youth development STEM specialist with UMES Extension. “Plans are already being made for summer 2025, and we hope that this collaborative relationship will result in further programming on a year-round basis.”

Collaborations such as this “open doors to create new and innovative programs,” said Clay, since agencies typically work with different communities through varied programs.

Collaborative partnerships are a cornerstone of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) at Virginia State University's (VSU) mission to help people put scientific knowledge to work through learning experiences that benefit their well-being.

In 2024, VSU is proud to celebrate successful collaborations across programming areas in community development, 4-H, human nutrition and health, and food, ag systems and agroforestry.

VSU’s Associate Specialist of Community Development Novita Epps collaborates with the Concerned Citizens of Ettrick, one of VSU’s surrounding communities. This group is dedicated to addressing local issues and promoting the cultural, spiritual, economic, educational, physical and social well-being of the Ettrick community.

For human nutrition and human health, VSU collaborated with the VA Department of Health, Virginia Commonwealth University and VSU’s Public Health Institute.

Dedicated specialists like VSU’s Youth Development Specialist Nicole Swinson focused on collaborating with key organizations and schools to open doors to future opportunities for youths. In 2024, Swinson launched the AgCulture program, a combination of 4-H and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (Jr. MANRRS) at Petersburg High School and Vernon Johns Middle School.

In food, ag systems and agroforestry, VSU-CE collaborated with the Virginia Farmers Market Association, Petersburg City Schools, Ettrick Elementary School, the American Farmland Trust and Oasis Farm to increase community and student access to fresh, nutritious foods.

These partnerships help increase access to critical resources and build relationships between VSU-CE and other groups and organizations committed to uplifting the communities they serve.

Virginia Cooperative Extension extends the resources of Virginia's two land-grant universities, Virginia State University and Virginia Tech, to solve problems facing Virginians every day.

On Sept. 21, more than 2,000 individuals gathered at King’s River Worship Center in St. Albans for Bless You Day. This special event, hosted by Community Bridge, provided a variety of free items, including clothing and household goods.

West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension’s Healthy Grandfamilies program was pivotal in making this event successful in collaboration with Community Bridge. Nineteen dedicated staff members from WVSU Extension Service volunteered their time to help prepare and set up for the occasion. Through partnerships like these, Community Bridge continues to fulfill its mission of addressing the basic needs of families in our communities.

“Many people are in need, and if we can be a bright light to give somebody a little hope, that’s our goal,” said Community Bridge Director Chris Kimbro.

As a nonprofit organization, Community Bridge focuses on fostering collaborations with churches, businesses, schools and other entities to provide essential items and life skills education to low-income households, homeless people and those facing challenges such as substance use disorders. These partnerships are vital for empowering individuals and families and helping them build a brighter, more sustainable future.