Last Updated November 3, 2009
Cooperative Extension System (CES)
Linking research and outreach of land-grant institutions to local and state needs
Program Basics
The Cooperative Extension System (CES) is a nationwide, non-credit educational network that links research and outreach programs of land-grant institutions to state and local needs. CES draws on the expertise of thousands of people. State Extension Specialists, who are also university faculty, provide in-depth information on a variety of technical subjects; approximately 9,000 local Extension educators staff, nearly 3,000 county offices in every state and territory, and hundreds of thousands of trained volunteers work locally on Master Gardener, 4-H and other programs.
Through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the Federal Government provides annual funding to CES, but local and state funds are its primary support, and the structure and services it provides are largely determined at state and county levels.
Cooperative Extension does not normally provide financial assistance, but instead focuses on information delivery through the Internet, printed publications, newsletters, broadcast media, staff presentations at public meetings, and one-one-one assistance in person or by phone with information seekers. Most publications and programs are free or at nominal cost.
Program Examples
Over the last century, Cooperative Extension has responded to hundreds of thousands of questions and inquiries on literally thousands of topics, as well as proactively delivering educational programs. CES has adapted to changing times and continues to address a wide range of human, plant, and animal needs in both urban and rural areas, serving a growing, increasingly diverse constituency with fewer and fewer resources. The type of information available is very comprehensive and usually tailored to local needs. Key program areas include: Agriculture, 4-H Youth Development, Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Community and Economic Development.
Accessing information:
Call or visit a local office to talk directly to an Extension staff person. Find the office nearest you at: www.nifa.usda.gov/Extension/index.html
Typically, a state-level publications office has a list of all currently available extension publications in that state. In some locations, diagnostic services are available for soil testing and farm or garden pests.
The Cooperative Extension System also supports the eXtension Web site, a coordinated, Internet-based information system where customers have round-the-clock access to trustworthy, balanced views of specialized information and education on a wide range of topics. For customers, the value will be personalized, validated information addressing their specific questions, issues, and life events in an aggregated, non-duplicative approach. Information on the eXtension Web site is organized into Communities of Practice organized around a many topics, such as diversity, entrepreneurship, agrosecurity, cotton, dairy, and more. The eXtension Web site also includes a collection of news stories from partner institutions, a Frequently Asked Questions section, a calendar of extension events, online-learning opportunities, and content feeds.
Websites
www.nifa.usda.gov/Extension/index.html
www.extension.org
