News – Page 4 – Extension Foundation

EXCITE Awarded at National Award Program for Outstanding Efforts in Immunizations

The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit recently honored individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to improving vaccination rates within their communities. The 2024 Immunization Excellence Awards celebrated achievements in several categories, including overall influenza season activities, the Laura Scott Award, and the “Immunization Neighborhood” Champion Award.

We are thrilled to announce that EXCITE received an honorable mention for the “Immunization Neighborhood” Champion Award at this year’s National Summit. Nominees were evaluated based on impact, collaboration, originality, overcoming challenges, and seizing opportunities. With so many innovative programs nominated, this recognition is a testament to the incredible work of our team. Today, EXCITE coach Ruth Hursman accepted the award on behalf of the entire EXCITE project in Atlanta.

The Summit Awards booklet contains complete descriptions of all the award winners. View the 2024 Awards Lunch and Presentation Booklet .

Congratulations to the EXCITE Team!

Congratulations to the EXCITE program on your dedication to forming partnerships, serving as trusted messengers, and continuously adapting your projects in order to reach your audience with important immunization education. Your efforts in building new health partnerships, creating culturally relevant materials, and earning the trust of your communities have made a nationwide impact in vaccine uptake and acceptance. Susan Farrell of HHS, who presented the award, made remarks of Extension’s incredible reach and understanding of their communities.

As of now, EXCITE has reached 20,878,343 people nationwide through 176,390 activities. The teams has facilitated over 10,400 vaccine sites. This year, EXCITE received funding for EFNEP teams to participate in a Bridge Access Awareness project, and we are excited to announce upcoming funded projects that will continue to contribute to the whole health approach by incorporating vaccine education into Extension health programming.

Pictured: Ruth Hursman, EXCITE team member and Extension Foundation employee receiving the Immunization Neighborhood” Champion Award from Susan Farrell of HHS and Mitch Rothholz, consultant and formerly with American Pharmacists Association before retirement.

August 20, 2024/by mpugsley

New Funding Opportunity: Adult Immunization Integration Projects with EXCITE

News

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

June 14, 2024/by mpugsley

EXCITE EFNEP Integrating Immunization Education into Extension Health Programming

Announcements, News

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

Increase awareness of the eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 Bridge vaccine program (for uninsured and underinsured individuals aged 18+)
Equip Participants with knowledge on how and when to access free covid-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program,
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

June 6, 2024/by mpugsley

Extension Foundation Launches H5N1 Website for CDC Human Health Resources

News, Newsroom

The Extension Foundation, in partnership with the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) Health Equity and Well-Being Program Action Team, has launched a website to provide resources made publicly available by the CDC regarding H5N1 and human health. The website includes the weekly updates sent by the CDC to partners on Influenza A (H5N1), and other educational resources developed by the CDC. The Extension Foundation, in collaboration with Dr. Roger Rennekamp, Extension Health Director, ECOP will continue to keep this website up-to-date as the CDC provides these publicly available resources.

The website is available at h5n1.extension.org. A newsletter subscription box is also available on the website to receive regular emails from the Extension Foundation regarding new resources posted related to H5N1 and human health.

For questions, please contact Dr. Aaron Weibe at aaronweibe@extension.org or Dr. Roger Rennekamp at rogerrennekamp@extension.org.

May 30, 2024/by Aaron Weibe

AgriProspects Mini-Grants Launched to Address Extension Adult Workforce Development Needs in the Agricultural Sector

News, Newsroom, Uncategorized

The AgriProspects Workforce Development Network, a collaborative effort of the Extension Foundation (EXF), the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) Economic & Workforce Development Program Action Team (Workforce PAT) and USDA-NIFA, aims to bolster the Extension system’s capacity to meet the evolving workforce demands within the food and agriculture sector.

To further its mission, AgriProspects is seeking proposals for Round 1 of its Mini-grant Program. Round 1 Mini-grants are aimed at developing adult, ag sector focused workforce development capacity within the Cooperative Extension System. From cross-region and cross-institution collaboration to expanding the good work already underway, almost anything is on the table!

All Land-Grant Colleges & Universities, regardless of membership status with the Extension Foundation, are invited to apply for mini-grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for projects spanning up to two years. A Land-Grant College or University must be the lead applicant. Successful applicants will receive support from AgriProspects Coordinators and access to translation services for project materials as appropriate.

The initiative is divided into three funding rounds spanning two years each, starting from September 2024. Future rounds will adapt to address emerging needs in the agricultural workforce, so while applicants may plan multi-phase projects, funding in earlier rounds does not guarantee funding in subsequent ones.

Help shape the future of Extension’s adult workforce development efforts! Visit agriprospects.extension.org to learn more about AgriProspects and how to apply for Round 1 mini-grants.

AgriProspects is supported through a cooperative agreement between the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Extension Foundation under the AFRI Education and Workforce Development Competitive Grant 2023-67037-40533.

May 17, 2024/by Aaron Weibe

EDEN Marketing and Communications Coordinator Position Available (Remote)

News, Newsroom

THIS POSITION IS NOW FILLED

Summary:

Join our team as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator, a pivotal role supporting the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN). This 12-month contract position offers a dynamic opportunity to lead and shape EDEN’s branding and marketing initiatives.

Application Due Date: Open until filled.

Application Link: https://registry.extension.org/241215416755151

Contact: Fred Schlutt, fredschlutt@extension.org

Position Available: EDEN Marketing and Communications Coordinator (Remote)

Time Frame: 12-month contract with potential for renewal up to four years. Support for this contract is made available through the Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative Extension Disaster Education Network (grant no. 2023-37623-40794 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture).

Full Position Description

The Extension Disaster Education Network seeks a Marketing and Communications Coordinator who can pivotally coordinate relevant content from the EDEN network while crafting and disseminating messaging to target audiences, with the goal of expanding the reach of impactful disaster education.

This contract will be responsible for the following:

Conduct a comprehensive audit of all EDEN communication and marketing activities, web presence, and social media platforms to identify strengths and areas for growth.
Assess existing branding materials and collaborate with the EDEN committee to implement impactful changes.
Develop a strategic marketing and communication plan leveraging Extension Foundation technologies to amplify EDEN’s outreach and engagement.
Strategically select and manage social media channels to foster meaningful interaction within the EDEN community.
Analyze website traffic and messaging effectiveness, setting clear goals for improvement and implementing targeted strategies.
Monitor media presence and devise plans to expand EDEN’s coverage and accessibility.
Use the Google Ad Grant and other paid advertising avenues to effectively promote EDEN resources.
Enhance EDEN’s branding materials in coordination with the EDEN Committee and Extension Foundation Communication & Marketing Team.
Establish a streamlined process for gathering content from the EDEN network to develop compelling marketing materials.
Manage regular email marketing updates and maintain the CRM database to support EDEN program efforts.
Provide technical support for virtual learning initiatives and participant communication.
Act as a community administrator for Connect Extension, ensuring smooth account and content management.

Requirements:

A tech-savvy communication professional capable of quickly mastering new technology systems.
Exceptional writing skills, spanning from concise ad copy to engaging feature writing.
Proficiency in customer relationship management technologies such as Hubspot and Salesforce.
Experience managing multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Basic graphic design skills using platforms like Adobe or Canva.
Familiarity with Google Suite and web-based communication practices.
Strong interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
Availability for special events and occasional travel with a valid driver’s license.
Access to reliable technology and connectivity for remote work.
Preferred experience in emergency response and planning.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
Minimum three years of experience in the communication or marketing field.

Physical Requirements:

Work is typically conducted in an office environment with minimal physical risk or effort.
Availability for occasional in-state and out-of-state travel as required.

May 1, 2024/by Aaron Weibe

Rediscover Food Preservation: Redesigned Website Empowers Consumers and Extension Professionals

News, Success Stories

Interest in home food preservation has surged in recent years, fueled by more time spent at home and a desire for self-sufficiency. People are rediscovering traditional methods like canning, pickling, and drying to preserve their harvests and reduce food waste.

But with this increased interest comes a crucial need for science-based information. Safe food preservation practices are essential to avoid foodborne illness and economic loss from spoiled food. This is especially important for the growing cottage food industry, which allows entrepreneurs to turn their skills into income, boosting local economies.

The National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) has long been a critical resource for those seeking information about home food preservation, including Extension educators, consumers, and cottage food business owners. Established with funding from the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES-USDA) in 2000 as a multi-institutional effort with the University of Georgia and Alabama A&M University as the primary institutions, NCHFP reported that requests for validated home food preservation recipes shot up a whopping 620% in 2020 compared with 2019.

Thanks to funding from a USDA NIFA New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) sub-award and support from the Extension Foundation, the NCHFP recently launched a redesigned website. This user-friendly resource empowers both home cooks and Extension professionals, offering clear instructions on various methods, from canning jams to fermenting vegetables. A robust resource section provides downloadable publications. Website visitors can also explore recipes and use the search function to find needed information.

Dr. Carla Schwan, Assistant Professor and Extension Food Safety Specialist at the University of Georgia, serves as the Center’s director. She noted:

“The NTAE sub-awards were instrumental in the development of our new National Center for Home Food Preservation website. It provided us with the resources necessary to enhance and add several key features, including a Newsflash feed, a dedicated educators page with exclusive content for Extension professionals, and an enhanced search function. Without this sub-award, completing this project wouldn’t have been possible.

Throughout the process, the NTAE team has been incredibly supportive and helpful. Key individuals such as Aaron Weibe, Fred Schlutt, and Tira Adelman were particularly instrumental in guiding us and providing valuable resources. Their expertise and dedication made a significant difference in the success of our website development initiative.“

A network of Extension professionals is building capacity

The demand for best food preservation practices inspired a group of Extension professionals to create a consortium to organize and expand their work. Specialists in home food preservation, small food businesses, and consumer and retail food safety from 13 Southeastern states launched the Food Safety Extension Network (FSEN) in 2021 to raise general awareness of the importance of preserving food safely and to be a resource for home cooks, small, independent food retailers, and home-based food preparation businesses. FSEN is building capacity, so that other universities can also contribute content and resources to the NCHFP website. You can learn more about FSEN’s’s work in this story, featured in the 2023 NTAE Yearbook. Participating institutions are University of Arkansas, Clemson University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, North Carolina State University, Oklahoma State University, University of Tennessee, Virginia Tech University, Fort Valley State University, University of Maryland, Louisiana State University, Mississipi State University, Auburn University, and Alcorn State University.

Dr. Schwan is involved in FSEN and notes, “The NTAE grant started this synergistic collaboration and we hope that by the end of it, we will have collective products and outcomes to share with consumers.”

Visit the website NCHFP website here.

Strengthen Evaluation Skills: New Edition of “Extension Evaluation Matters” Released

News, Publications

The Extension Foundation is pleased to announce the release of a new edition of Extension Evaluation Matters, edited by Dr. John Diaz (University of Florida) and Dr. Teresa McCoy (Ohio State University). This comprehensive resource empowers Extension professionals with knowledge and tools to effectively evaluate their programs.

Designed for Practical Application

Packed with actionable resources, “Extension Evaluation Matters” equips Extension professionals to:

Grasp evaluation fundamentals: Chapter 1 dives into the ethical standards and core competencies that underpin strong evaluation practices.
Plan your evaluation: Chapter 2 guides you through defining your evaluation goals and identifying the information you need to collect.
Implement your evaluation: Chapter 3 provides practical steps for data collection and analysis, helping you answer your key evaluation questions.
Utilize evaluation findings: Chapter 4 empowers you to effectively leverage evaluation data to inform future programming and decision-making.

Enhanced and Accessible

This updated edition builds upon the original eFieldbook/website format, incorporating valuable new information for today’s Extension professionals.

Supported by USDA NIFA

The development of “Extension Evaluation Matters” was supported by New Technologies for Agriculture Extension grant no. 2015-41595-24254 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Looking for More?

This publication is one of two dozen publications released by the Extension Foundation in the last several months. The entire library, including the 2022-2023 NTAE Yearbook, is here.

April 15, 2024/by Aaron Weibe

From Earth Day to Everyday Action: Extension Tackles Climate Challenges

Announcements, Events, News

The History of Earth Day

Earth Day was launched in 1970. Many factors contributed to the call for a national day focusing on environmental stewardship, including the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring – serialized in the New Yorker – and the catastrophic oil spill that occurred off the coast of Santa Barbara in 1969. The Santa Barbara oil spill galvanized U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-Wisconsin) to call for a national day of locally inspired and organized “teach-ins” on the environment – a national “Earth Day.” The Earth Day model was inspired by the spirit of campus activism at the nation’s colleges and universities. It wasn’t top-down, but rather a grassroots effort that encouraged communities to develop educational and service events around issues and topics important to them.

Earth Day struck a chord; some estimates suggest that 1 in 10 Americans participated in the first events. Earth Day is widely credited with “sparking” the modern environmental movement. Landmark environmental legislation swiftly followed (including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act). The Environmental Protection agency was founded that same year. Twenty years after its launch, Earth Day became a global movement. Increasingly, Earth Day activities are focused on the impacts a changing climate has on communities.

You can learn more from the Earth Day Network by linking to this website.

Take part. Learn. Act.

From Awareness to Action: Extension Works to Address Climate Challenges

A changing climate impacts all of us, and Extension is taking action. In 2021, Extension Directors identified climate change as one of seven priority areas for CES and partnered with Extension Foundation to provide national leadership on the subject. Extension Foundation—in partnership with USDA and Iowa State University—held a Climate Action Convening from Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz., gathering with more than 40 Extension professionals who served as ambassadors for the larger system. Learn more about the Convening here.

The New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) is a grant from USDA NIFA in partnership with the University of New Hampshire. The Extension Foundation invited project and program teams aligned with USDA and Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) strategic goals/priority program areas (including climate) to apply for funding and support from the Extension Foundation through September 21, 2024. 22 projects were selected. A number of the projects selected focus on climate including projects that address climate resiliency and adaptation in agriculture, identifying climate change programming for children, and developing animated pollinator videos to educate youth. We look forward to sharing more information about these projects in our upcoming 2024 NTAE Yearbook, which will be published in the fall.

In the meantime, learn more about one of this year’s NTAE projects that focuses on climate by reading this article: Celebrating Culture & Pollinators: Animated Series Honors Native Languages, Provides Science Education. The article links to a wonderful YouTube video featuring “pollinator superheroes.”

ECOP Climate Program Action Team Update at Program Center Stage – Register Now

Climate Program Action Team (PAT) leaders Jason Henderson and Roy Beckford, and Extension Foundation’s Regan Emmons are excited to host a special Earth Day Program Center Stage! Join us for an informative session to hear about the Climate PAT’s recent efforts and their next focus for engaging Cooperative Extension in climate work. The program will be held on Monday April 22nd at 2 p.m. EST.

In this session, discover the latest initiatives and strategies from the Climate PAT as they share insights from the recent Climate Convening. This gathering brought together leaders from across Cooperative Extension to address a fundamental question: “How can we mobilize the U.S. Cooperative Extension system to swiftly and effectively contribute to climate change solutions?” This Convening strengthened the climate-focused network within Cooperative Extension and developed climate action outcomes for Extension.As we reflect on the achievements of the Climate Convening, you are invited to help in outlining the next steps for the Climate PAT. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Cooperative Extension’s vital role in fostering a sustainable and resilient future. Register here to join us!

Submitted by Melanie Pugsley and Rose Hayden-Smith

April 15, 2024/by Aaron Weibe

Extension Foundation Selects Thirteen Coordinators from Land-grant Universities for AgriProspects Workforce Development Network

News

The Extension Foundation (EXF) in collaboration with the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) Economic & Workforce Development Program Action Team are collaborating with USDA-NIFA staff to form a robust network of public and private entities across every U.S. region to build the nation’s capacity to respond to the changing needs in the food and agriculture sector.

The effort, called AgriProspects, aims to foster regional cooperation, identify workforce ecosystem gaps, and offer collaborative, adaptive solutions to local and regional employment challenges. The project focuses on increasing awareness of and expanding access to Extension resources which enhance skill levels, facilitate credential attainment, and prepare participants for successful entry or re-entry into the workforce.

Individuals from across Cooperative Extension were selected through a competitive application to serve as Regional Network Coordinators and Regional Content Coordinators. These individuals represent all six regions of Cooperative Extension including representation from 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant universities and specific subject matter needs.Their work supports the key objectives of AgriProspects, which include:

Creating a dynamic clearinghouse to organize and share Extension’s adult workforce development (AWD) offerings for the agricultural sector;
Developing a sustainable network of Extension educators and industry partners to strengthen the alignment of Extension’s agricultural AWD offerings with real-time industry needs;
Connecting employers, workforce intermediaries, and the agricultural workforce to Extension’s skill development programs that cultivate upskilling, credentialing, and participant readiness to successfully join or rejoin the ag workforce; and
Supporting the creation, evolution, expansion, and integration of Extension AWD programs locally, regionally, and nationally through mini-grant funding.

The selected coordinators include:

Latonna Old Elk, Little Big Horn College (1994 Region)
Felix Nez, Blackfeet Community College (1994 Region)
Dr. Lana Petrie, Tennessee State University (1890 Region)
Von Barnes, Kentucky State University (1890 Region)
Dan Nieland, Iowa State University (National – Entrepreneurship & Self-Employment)
Tanya Hall, Purdue University (North Central Region)
Dr. Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (North Central Region)
Kate Venturini Hardesty, University of Rhode Island (Northeast Region)
Andrea Franchini, University of Maryland (Northeast Region)
Dr. Mark Mains, University of Kentucky (Southern Region)
Clint Cummings, University of Tennessee (Southern Region)
Dr. Trevor Lane, Washington State University (Western Region)
Maritza Broce, University of Arizona (Western Region)

For more information about the AgriProspects Workforce Development Network, please visit extension.org/national-programs-services/workforce/.

This work is supported through a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture AFRI Education and Workforce Development Competitive Grant 2023-67037-40533.

April 8, 2024/by Aaron Weibe