New Funding Opportunity: Adult Immunization Integration Projects with EXCITE

We are excited to announce two new funding opportunities aimed at further integrating immunization education awareness and messaging across various projects and programs within Extension. This initiative is a step toward building a holistic health approach with Extension Programming. Please find the details and links to the RFAs for each opportunity below. The RFA and application guide contain information on how and where to apply. Please reach out to our team at excite@extension.org with any questions.

1. EXCITE: Adult Immunization Education Integration Project

  •  Link to RFA and Application Guide
  • About: This project aims to normalize immunization education. Funding will be provided to Land-grant institutions interested in integrating adult immunization education into a program series in any discipline area (e.g., Master Gardener Program, Dining with Diabetes, Community Leadership Development, Teen Leaders, or other existing or emerging Extension education programs).
  • Eligibility: Available to all Land-grant university cooperative extension services. This is a competitive funding opportunity.
  • Award Amount: $125,000
  • Timeline:
  • Application Open: June 15, 2024
  • Application Deadline: August 7, 2024
  • Award Period: September 1, 2024 – August 30, 2025

2. EXCITE: Adult Immunization Awareness Messaging Integration Project

  • Link to RFA and Application Guide
  • About: This project supports the development of adult immunization awareness messaging. Land-grant institutions will receive funding to create methodologies/tools for Extension professionals and/or volunteers to integrate into education and awareness efforts across any Extension programmatic/discipline areas. Engagement activities could include games, attention-getters, demonstrations, conceptualization, and tangible strategies around holistic health.
  • Eligibility: Available to all Land-grant university cooperative extension services. This is a competitive funding opportunity.
  • Award Amount: $40,000
  • Timeline:
  • Application Open: June 15, 2024
  • Application Deadline: August 7, 2024
  • Award Period: September 1, 2024 – August 30, 2025
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Cooperative Extension System Unveils Climate Action Plan White Paper

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In partnership with the Extension Climate Program Action Team, the Extension Foundation, with support from the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute on Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) and Iowa State University, leaders from the Cooperative Extension System (CES) have released a Climate Action Plan white paper. This white paper outlines innovative solutions uniquely tailored to combat the climate crisis. This initiative follows a significant gathering of Extension leaders in early 2024 to identify and strategize on effective climate action pathways. The white paper is available at this link. 

The heart of this white paper lies in the National Climate Change Roadmap, published in late 2023. Developed by researchers from Colorado State University and Meridian Institute, with funding from the USDA NIFA, the Roadmap features contributions from 20 Extension Directors and multidisciplinary experts from Land-grant universities.

Following its publication, the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy’s (ECOP) Climate Program Action Team (PAT) hosted a webinar with Roadmap authors to share its insights. This webinar set the stage for the Climate Action Convening, which invited national Extension leaders to review the Roadmap and envision how Extension’s extensive network could address the climate crisis. The white paper aligns with several key insights and guiding principles from the Roadmap, including:

  • Systems-based Innovations
  • Participatory Research Processes
  • Strategic, Sustainable, and Regenerative Agricultural Practices
  • Socioeconomic and Policy Research
  • Guiding principles such as Equity and Justice, Policy Relevance, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge are also core to the envisioned activities and outcomes.

One of the significant outcomes of the Climate Action Convening was the development of four climate change models designed to tackle key climate challenges. These models aim to expand existing partnerships and forge new ones, leveraging Extension’s embedded network within communities to deliver equitable, measurable, and lasting climate solutions.

With over a century of experience, Extension is well-positioned to be a leading climate solutions provider. Extension’s network translates cutting-edge research from Land-grant universities into actionable education and resources for local communities. The Climate Action Plan integrates climate action with Extension’s other high-priority issues, such as broadband access, economic development, food systems, and health equity. Extension will implement a comprehensive communications strategy to raise awareness about the Climate Action Plan and foster partnerships. A progress report and announcement of initial partners, known as Extension Climate Partners, will follow. Future convenings are anticipated to continue advancing this crucial work.

To join the effort or receive updates, email the Climate PAT at climatepat@extension.org. Extension professionals can also join the Climate PAT subgroup on Connect Extension.

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EXCITE EFNEP Integrating Immunization Education into Extension Health Programming

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The Extension Collaboration on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) Program has received additional funding to enhance immunization education within Cooperative Extension communities. EFNEP programs have been awarded funds to educate underserved and rural audiences about the CDC’s Bridge program and other adult immunization opportunities, aiming to close gaps across all adult immunizations. This new phase will further integrate immunization education into Extension programming. By incorporating this education into EFNEP activities, a comprehensive health approach will be promoted, addressing both nutrition and disease prevention for Extension audiences.

 

EXCITE Funding and Collaboration

EXCITE is possible through an interagency agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture – National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a cooperative agreement with the Extension Foundation in partnership with the ECOP Health Program Action Team. The funding for these efforts is provided through the CDC’s COVID-19 Bridge Access program.

For the first time, the USDA NIFA Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) teams who applied for this opportunity will receive $72,000 to incorporate Bridge Access and immunization education into their curriculum and programming efforts.

Key Objectives of the New Funding

  1. Increase awareness of the eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 Bridge vaccine program (for uninsured and underinsured individuals aged 18+)  
  2. Equip Participants with knowledge on how and when to access free covid-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program,
  3. Increase awareness and confidence regarding all adult immunizations following the ending of the Bridge access program.  


EFNEP Resource Integration

With resources from the EXCITE program and the CDC, EFNEP teams can easily integrate Bridge messaging and immunization education into their curriculum. These resources cover a range of topics, including promoting healthy eating, facilitating budget-friendly meal planning, and encouraging physical activity. By incorporating Bridge and immunization education messaging alongside these topics, EFNEP will foster a comprehensive approach to health education.


Cooperative Extension: A Trusted Partner

The CDC’s selection of Cooperative Extension as a partner in immunization education underscores Extension’s reputation as a trusted community health messenger. With a proven track record of reaching rural and underserved audiences, Extension is uniquely positioned to deliver culturally relevant messaging that resonates with community members. EFNEP’s particular focus on families with limited resources further highlights the program’s potential to serve those who may lack healthcare coverage and stand to benefit from Bridge immunizations. EFNEP’s focus on adult immunizations following the end of the Bridge Access program will focus on COVID – 19, flu, and RSV immunizations. EFNEPs long standing relationship with its audience makes the program a great partner in health communication.

 

Dr. Jackie Wilkins, former Dean and Director for OSU Extension, joins the EXCITE team as the EFNEP Project Director. Regarding this new project, Dr. Wilkins shares, “We are excited to showcase the capacity of our EFNEP professionals, through this innovative funding, to reach literally hundreds of thousands of individuals. Leveraging our existing trusted relationships, community partnerships, and educational programs, we aim to increase awareness of and access to critical, life-saving immunizations.”

 


We are thrilled to embark on this new phase of EXCITE!

Congratulations to the following institutions awarded EFNEP funding!

  • Central State University
  • Clemson University
  • Cornell University
  • Delaware State
  • Florida A&M University
  • Langston University
  • Louisiana State University
  • New Mexico State University
  • North Carolina A&T
  • Southern University
  • Tennessee State University
  • Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
  • Tuskegee University
  • University of Arizona
  • University of California, Ag & Natural Resources
  • University of Connecticut
  • University of Delaware
  • University of District of Columbia
  • University of Hawaii
  • University of Illinois
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Maryland Eastern Shore
  • University of MIssouri
  • University of Nebraska Lincoln
  • University of New Hampshire
  • University of Tennessee
  • University of Vermont
  • Utah State University
  • Virginia State University
  • Washington State University
  • West Virginia State University
  • West Virginia University
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This website is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension (funding opportunity no. USDA-NIFA-OP-010186), grant no. 2023-41595-41325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Extension Foundation.

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