AgriProspects Funds an Additional $1 million in Extension Workforce Development Projects Around AI and Credentialing

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 The AgriProspects Workforce Development Network, a national program of the Extension Foundation, is pleased to announce the awarding of an additional $1 million for the second round of AgriProspects grants made possible by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)-National Extension Clearinghouse for Industry and the Workforce, project award no. 2023-67037-40533, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The second round of grants sought proposals that 1) addressed needs with respect to digital credential infrastructure development for workforce success within Extension, 2) addressed AI education and awareness needs within Extension and our served communities, or 3) pulled elements of both tracks together in unique and innovative ways, addressing pressing workforce, community, and Extension needs.

Five additional proposals were funded through the NECIW grant. The five proposals selected for funding are:

  • Empowering Agricultural Workforce: Digital Badge Training in Food Safety, Innovation, and Emerging Technologies – Dr. Jose Brandao Delgado, Utah State University
  • Strengthening the Agricultural Workforce: Adult Training in Sustainable Practices and Emerging Green Jobs – Jody Thompson, Kentucky State University
  • Digital Crop Scouts: AI Crop Monitoring Workforce Development – Rachel Baschieri, Oregon State University
  • Establishing the Nation’s First Digital Credential for AI Marketing Skills in Agriculture & Extension Across the Southern Region – Dr. James Barnes, Mississippi State University
  • Empowering the Agricultural Workforce: Expanding Extension’s Capacity through AI training, Tools, and Credentials – Dr. Maria Gini, University of Minnesota

The five awardees join the five other Round 2 projects announced in January as well as the 11 Round 1 grants awarded in 2024, who are wrapping up their grants later this year. Altogether, the AgriProspects Grants program has invested $3 million in the Extension system for projects that will provide a variety of replicable, scalable models for other programs throughout the country.

“Through a fit-for-purpose plan of work and responsible management of taxpayer dollars we’ve been able to allocate additional funds towards work supporting both the agricultural sector and Extension” stated Dr. Jason Weigle, AgriProspects Program Manager and co-PD on the NIFA-AFRI NECIW grant.

“The 21 projects we’ve supported over the past two years are stellar examples of what Extension can do when given the opportunity. We’re pleased to be able to support these practitioners in addressing learner, earner, employer, and fellow practitioner needs across the country. We’re also excited to be releasing new tools over the next few months which will accelerate this work across the System and country, as well as announce a hold the date for our 2027 AgriProspects Summit!”

All awardees for Round 2 address a variety of needs and opportunities within workforce development. From expanding proven, successful programs to proposals integrating new and emerging tools and technologies; from primary production all the way to value added products, the proposals integrate new and emerging technologies and tools to develop skills, aptitudes, and competencies within the workforce with the support and input of industry and community partners.

AgriProspects is supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)-National Extension Clearinghouse for Industry and the Workforce, project award no. 2023-67037-40533, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Awarded Project Summaries

Dr. Jose Brandao Delgado
Utah State University
Empowering Agricultural Workforce: Digital Badge Training in Food Safety, Innovation, and Emerging Technologies 

This project will expand access to practical, skills-based training for Utah’s agricultural and food workforce by developing a flexible, competency-based program focused on emerging technologies and modern food system practices. Delivered through Extension’s statewide network and in partnership with university and industry experts, the program combines online modules and hands-on workshops covering food safety, artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and blockchain traceability. It is designed for working adults—including producers, processors, entrepreneurs, and Extension educators—who often face barriers to traditional training due to cost, location, or connectivity. By providing industry-aligned content and stackable digital credentials, the project will help participants build job-ready skills, improve regulatory compliance, increase productivity and sustainability, and strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of agricultural communities in Utah, with pilot expansion to Indiana to support broader replication.

Jody Thompson
Kentucky State University
Strengthening the Agricultural Workforce: Adult Training in Sustainable Practices and Emerging Green Jobs 

This project will address workforce shortages in Kentucky’s growing agriculture and green jobs sectors by creating a hands-on training program for adults seeking new or better employment opportunities. Led by Kentucky State University in partnership with Louisville Grows and with Dr. Suraj Upadhaya serving as Co-PD, the program will provide practical skills in urban forestry, landscape management, orchard management, sustainable agriculture, and land stewardship, along with essential workplace competencies and certifications. Designed for unemployed, underemployed, and career-transitioning adults, the training connects participants directly with local employers in landscaping, conservation, and municipal services. By building a skilled workforce to support urban greening, food production, and environmental resilience, the project will strengthen community health, expand economic opportunity, and offer a replicable model for Extension-led workforce development.

Rachel Baschieri
Oregon State University
Digital Crop Scouts: AI Crop Monitoring Workforce Development

This project will build the capacity of growers and Extension educators to use affordable, do-it-yourself artificial intelligence tools for early detection of crop stress in remote areas. Through the Digital Crop Scouts initiative, participants will learn to assemble and deploy low-cost, solar-powered camera networks and apply AI-based image analysis to monitor crops for signs of drought, pests, disease, and nutrient deficiencies. The program combines hands-on, in-field workshops with virtual training, enabling users to customize and manage their own open-source systems while maintaining data ownership. By training growers and Extension faculty together, the project strengthens local support networks, accelerates adoption of practical AI solutions, and improves farm productivity and resilience through timely, data-informed decision-making.

Dr. James Barnes
Mississippi State University
Establishing the Nation’s First Digital Credential for AI Marketing Skills in Agriculture & Extension Across the Southern Region 

This project will expand access to AI-driven marketing training for agricultural entrepreneurs and Extension professionals by creating a stackable, nationally recognized credential pathway. In partnership with the Southern Rural Development Center’s Roseanne Scammahorn and Alabama A&M University’s Terence Norwood and building on Mississippi State University Extension’s proven Bricks-to-Clicks Marketing program, it introduces an introductory course on AI tools alongside existing digital marketing and outreach courses, delivered via Extension Foundation’s platform. Participants gain experience using ChatGPT and Canva AI to strengthen digital visibility, sales, and engagement. By embedding verified credentials and scaling delivery across the Southern Region through university partnerships, the project addresses market access gaps, standardizes competencies, and equips participants with practical, in-demand skills for success in an increasingly digital agricultural economy.

Dr. Maria Gini
University of Minnesota
Empowering the Agricultural Workforce: Expanding Extension’s Capacity through AI training, Tools, and Credentials 

This project will strengthen Extension’s ability to support farmers using emerging AI technologies by developing accessible training, credentials, and tools through the multi-university AI-LEAF initiative. In response to identified barriers such as limited AI knowledge, concerns about data privacy, and lack of training resources, the program will offer microcredentials in sustainable agriculture and AI, a professional development series, hands-on workshops, and updated digital tools like Cornell’s Climate Smart Farming platform. Designed primarily for Extension educators, the project equips participants with practical skills to interpret and apply AI-driven insights, support climate-smart and data-informed decision-making, and effectively teach these concepts to farmers. By building trusted capacity within Extension systems, the initiative aims to expand adoption of AI-enabled practices that improve agricultural resilience, productivity, and environmental outcomes.

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Extension Foundation Releases Updated 2026 National AI Report with New Workforce-Level Insights

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The Extension Foundation has released the updated 2026 National AI Report, expanding the original 2025 report with new workforce-level findings from Extension professionals across roles, program areas, and career stages. The report was authored by Aaron Weibe, Ph.D.,Extension Foundation; Dhruti Patel, Ed.D, University of Maryland Extension; David Warren, Oklahoma State University; and Mark Locklear, Extension Foundation. 

The original report, released in December 2025, synthesized findings from a national AI landscape assessment, virtual focus groups, and in-person convenings with Cooperative Extension and agInnovation leaders. That work identified systemwide priorities around AI governance, public trust, workforce development, shared infrastructure, and responsible use across the Land-grant system. The 2026 update builds on that foundation by adding a fifth phase of engagement conducted in February 2026 during the Joint Council of Extension Professionals national conference in Savannah, Georgia. This phase brought direct workforce perspectives into the study, capturing how AI adoption is being experienced by Extension agents, educators, specialists, and other professionals working in communities.

“This update gives us a more complete picture of AI readiness across the system,” said Aaron Weibe, Ph.D., Director of Technology Services and Communications for the Extension Foundation. “The 2025 report helped identify leadership priorities. The 2026 expansion helps us understand what those priorities look like in practice for the professionals who will be expected to use, explain, and steward these tools in their daily work.”

The updated report finds broad alignment between leadership priorities and workforce concerns, while also identifying key gaps that must be addressed for AI adoption to be effective. Leaders emphasized coordination, infrastructure, policy development, and long-term opportunity. Extension professionals emphasized the immediate need for clear guidance, practical training, ethical guardrails, workload capacity, and stronger alignment between institutional strategy and real-world implementation.

Across the full study, three priorities emerged as central to the next phase of AI leadership for Cooperative Extension and agInnovation: people, trust, and coordination. The report concludes that workforce readiness is the most urgent need; that public trust must be protected through transparency, human oversight, and clear standards; and that shared data, common platforms, and aligned policies are needed to prevent fragmentation across the Land-grant system.

The 2026 report also reframes future action around institutional reflection and local implementation. Rather than prescribing a single path forward, the report provides questions that institutions can use to examine their own AI governance, workforce readiness, ethical practices, data infrastructure, and community-facing responsibilities. The report highlights the Extension Foundation’s ongoing work to support responsible AI implementation through tools such as ExtensionBot and MERLIN, which demonstrate early models for AI-enabled information discovery, data stewardship, attribution, and human-centered content review within Cooperative Extension.

The full 2026 National AI Report is available at: https://extension.org/national-ai-report-2026/

This work 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 authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

About the Extension Foundation
The Extension Foundation is a nonprofit established in 2006 by Extension Directors and Administrators nationwide. The Extension Foundation is embedded in the U.S. Cooperative Extension System and serves on the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy. Its mission is to empower a national network of community-based educators, volunteers, and partners to turn knowledge into real-world solutions for stronger communities and people.

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AgriProspects Announces $1 million in Extension Workforce Development Projects Around AI and Credentialing

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The AgriProspects Workforce Development Network, a national program of the Extension Foundation, is pleased to announce the awarding of $1 million for the second round of AgriProspects grants made possible by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)-National Extension Clearinghouse for Industry and the Workforce, project award no. 2023-67037-40533, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The second round of grants sought proposals that 1) addressed needs with respect to digital credential infrastructure development for workforce success within Extension, 2) addressed AI education and awareness needs within Extension and our served communities, or 3) pulled elements of both tracks together in unique and innovative ways, addressing pressing workforce, community, and Extension needs.

The five proposals selected for funding are:

  • FIELD‑AI: Farm & Industry Extension Learning via Digital AI‑Credentials – Dr. Christian Christensen, University of Florida
  • Establishing a Micro-Credentialing Infrastructure for Extension – Maria Gorgo-Simcox, Penn State
  • Logging Smarter: AI-Enhanced Hardwood Bucking Training for Adult Workforce Development – Dr. Pipiet Larasatie, Virginia Tech
  • Developing Skilled Workforce Training in Fruit & Vegetable Drying and Freezing – Dr. Qingyang Wang, Oregon State University
  • Training Ag Extension and Farmer Users for AI and IoT – Dr. Suping Zhou, Tennessee State University

The awardees for Round 2 address a variety of needs and opportunities within workforce development. From expanding proven, successful programs to proposals integrating new and emerging tools and technologies; from primary production all the way to value added products, the proposals integrate new and emerging technologies and tools to develop skills, aptitudes, and competencies within the workforce with the support and input of industry and community partners.

“We’re excited to partner with these PIs in support of the agricultural sector and Extension” says Dr. Jason L. Weigle, AgriProspects Program Manager and co-PD on the NIFA-AFRI NECIW grant supporting these efforts. “The selected projects showcase the breadth and depth of the workforce development work within Extension and the opportunities in front of us. The awardees demonstrate the importance of engaging with and involving industry partners in developing and delivering their programs, especially in the rapidly evolving workplace environment.”

The round received 74 applications competing for $1 million in funding. The five awardees join the awardees from the first round of AgriProspects Grants, which just wrapped up the first year of their two-year projects. More on first round efforts can be found here: https://youtu.be/FN9P3LQQcV8 

“The proposals from Round 2 demonstrate that Extension Educators across the country have innovative ideas for how to address pressing agricultural workforce needs and are willing and able to step up when the opportunity arises and the barriers are removed. The ingenuity and resourcefulness of all applications across both grant rounds truly demonstrate that Extension IS Workforce Development!”

AgriProspects is supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)-National Extension Clearinghouse for Industry and the Workforce, project award no. 2023-67037-40533, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Awarded Project Summaries

Dr. Christian Christensen
University of Florida
FIELD‑AI: Farm & Industry Extension Learning via Digital AI‑Credentials

As new AI tools become more available in agriculture, Florida’s producers and farmworkers need training that is practical and easy to access. Farm & Industry Extension Learning via Digital AI Credentials (FIELD-AI) will be a micro-credentialing program derived from a statewide needs assessments to ensure Florida’s agricultural workforce has access to practical, trusted, research-based AI training. Over the next two years, the project will move step-by-step from assessing what farmers need, building courses, testing them, improving them, and eventually offering them statewide. With simple, hands-on micro credentials, FIELD-AI will facilitate learning how to use AI in ways that make sense on the farm.

Maria Gorgo-Simcox
Penn State
Establishing a Micro-Credentialing Infrastructure for Extension

This grant expands the Success Skills in Spanish for Agriculture (SSS4A) AgriProspects Round 1 grant through creating micro‑credentialed, industry‑informed training for agricultural workers. Building on Round 1 findings, the project will develop modules for five key agricultural sectors – tree fruit, poultry, dairy, mushroom, and the landscaping industry – while adding supervisory and advanced language success courses. The grant will support digital credentials which recognize participants’ skills and align with employer and industry expectations. Guided by worker and industry feedback, the program aims to improve communication, safety, job confidence, and career advancement while helping employers enhance retention, compliance, and workforce efficiency.

Dr. Pipiet Larasatie
Virginia Tech
Logging Smarter: AI-Enhanced Hardwood Bucking Training for Adult Workforce Development

The country’s forests drive rural economic growth in many places, yet log bucking – the critical process of cutting stems into logs – often lacks skills-based training. Current instruction tends to be static and doesn’t let loggers practice real-time decision-making or see the value impacts of their decisions. Logging Smarter addresses this gap by using AI, computer vision, and image generation to create interactive training that mirrors real field conditions. Integrated into the SHARP Logger Program, the goal of the project is to strengthen workforce skills, boost value recovery, and enhance supply chain efficiency. Focused on Virginia’s hardwood regions but applicable to the industry, the project will deliver scalable, open-source tools to modernize forestry training nationwide.

Dr. Qingyang Wang
Oregon State University
Developing Skilled Workforce Training in Fruit & Vegetable Drying and Freezing

The fruit and vegetable processing industry underpins U.S. agriculture but faces gaps in specialized training related to drying and freezing technologies for the workforce. These gaps limit innovation and adoption, safety compliance, and product quality. The proposed project creates a hybrid three‑day, credentialed short course – offered in Oregon and New York – covering drying/freezing science, food safety, quality management, hands-on lab work, and AI applications. Targeting farmers, processors, educators, and regulators, the program will build technical and safety competencies, supports data-driven decision-making, and issues stackable digital credentials, strengthening workforce readiness for evolving technologies and enhances value-added food production nationwide.

Dr. Suping Zhou
Tennessee State University
Training Ag Extension and Farmer Users for AI and IoT

Many small and mid-sized farms lack the means to leverage data-driven technologies needed for food safety, traceability, and market participation. This project seeks to address this need through integrating affordable Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) tools into Extension and new farmer training.  This project seeks to build digital skills in AI, analytics, and the IoT through train‑the‑trainer programs and partnerships with local farms and producers. By enabling real-time monitoring and verifiable supply chains, the project seeks to establish replicable tools to help farmers meet market demands, strengthening supply-chain resilience and expanding development and workforce opportunities across the state and nationally.

About the Extension Foundation

The Extension Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the nationwide Cooperative Extension System — the network of 112 Land-grant Universities that bring research and education directly into communities across the United States. Created by Extension leaders, the Foundation serves as the national infrastructure that helps this system scale its impact. Through technology platforms, artificial intelligence tools, national programs, communications, and professional development, the Extension Foundation strengthens the ability of Cooperative Extension to respond to emerging challenges in agriculture, health, environment, and community development. Every dollar is reinvested to ensure that Extension professionals and institutions have the tools, resources, and support they need to serve people where they live and work.

This work is supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)-National Extension Clearinghouse for Industry and the Workforce, project award no. 2023-67037-40533, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website and consultative support 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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Extension Foundation Seeks Online Moodle and Course Merchant (D2L) Administrator 

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Application Link: https://registry.extension.org/260076557418058

Open Until Filled

Purpose

The Online Moodle and Course Merchant (D2L) Administrator serves as the primary system administrator and support lead for the Extension Foundation’s online learning management system (Campus, powered by Moodle) and its companion e-commerce platform (Catalog, powered by Course Merchant and Stripe). This contractor (up to 90 hours per month) ensures both platforms operate reliably, securely, and efficiently to support the educational mission of Cooperative Extension nationwide.

This position reports directly to the Director of Technology Services and Communications.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

Learning Management System (Campus) Administration and Troubleshooting

  • Administer all aspects of the Moodle-based Campus environment, including configuration, course setup, and performance optimization.
  • Manage user roles, permissions, and authentication to maintain secure access control and data integrity aligned with cybersecurity standards. 
  • Create and configure new course shells for participating Extension institutions, ensuring consistency in structure and metadata.
  • Organize course categories and maintain logical site hierarchy for usability and reporting accuracy.
  • Generate and maintain standard and ad hoc reports for internal use and institutional partners.
  • Advise course instructors on best practices for Moodle tools, course design, grading methods, and content delivery.
  • Proactively monitor site functionality, performance, and integration health, identifying and resolving technical issues as they arise.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot system errors, plugin conflicts, and user-reported issues; apply solutions independently or coordinate with Learning Pool for advanced fixes.
  • Coordinate version upgrades, plugin management, and feature testing with Learning Pool, ensuring stable implementation with minimal user disruption.
  • Maintain clear documentation of technical resolutions, configuration changes, and known issues to improve institutional knowledge and efficiency. 

Catalog and E-Commerce Management (Course Merchant and Stripe)

  • Manage all administrative functions of the Course Merchant-based Catalog, including course listings, pricing, and descriptions.
  • Set up and maintain payment processing through Stripe, ensuring accurate connection between Campus and Catalog systems.
  • Create and manage voucher codes, discount campaigns, and course-specific promotions.
  • Insert course purchase buttons and enrollment instructions within Campus course pages.
  • Support instructors and users with payment-related issues, failed transactions, and access errors.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical problems affecting enrollment, payment flow, or data synchronization between Catalog, Stripe, and Moodle.
  • Reconcile all financial activity quarterly, ensuring transaction reports match Stripe data.
  • Prepare and deliver quarterly reconciliation statements and financial summaries to the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Technology Services and Communications.
  • Store all quarterly reconciliation documents and reports in the designated shared Google Drive repository for secure archival.

Customer Service and Communication Standards

  • Serve as the primary contact for customer service inquiries submitted via the designated help desk or support email.
  • All inquiries should receive an initial response within 48 business hours, excluding weekends and official holidays.
  • Maintain clear, professional, and timely communication with instructors, administrators, and learners. Redirect learners to course instructors as appropriate and set boundaries on what learners can reach out to the help desk for. 
  • Develop, implement, and maintain a library of email templates and auto-reply messages to streamline routine responses and set expectations for complex issue timelines.
  • Use these tools consistently to acknowledge, update, and close user requests.
  • Track and report response times, recurring issues, and volume trends to improve support efficiency.
  • Escalate unresolved or systemic issues to the Director of Technology Services and Communications for prioritization or vendor escalation. 

System Coordination and Vendor Management

  • Serve as the primary liaison with Learning Pool and Course Merchant for all service requests, upgrades, and incident management.
  • Collaborate with vendors to identify root causes of recurring problems and implement permanent corrective actions.
  • Maintain compliance with data privacy, accessibility, and information security standards (FERPA, GDPR, and internal cybersecurity policies).

Hours and Availability

  • Contractor may maintain a flexible work schedule, provided they are consistently available during the Foundation’s core operating hours (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. U.S. Central Time, Monday–Friday). 
  • Occasional after-hours work may be required for emergency maintenance or scheduled system updates, with advance coordination and approval.
  • Work must be tracked and invoiced according to Foundation policies, reflecting actual hours worked each month.

Reporting and Deliverables

  • Submit monthly system and activity reports detailing:
    • Number and type of support requests handled
    • Average response and resolution times
    • System updates and maintenance performed
    • Identified issues and corrective actions taken
  • Provide quarterly financial reconciliation reports to the CFO and Director of Technology Services and Communications.
  • Maintain a complete archive of all reports, logs, and reconciliations in the shared Google Drive repository.
  • Recommend enhancements, workflow improvements, and automation strategies to improve efficiency and user experience.

About the Extension Foundation

The Extension Foundation is a nonprofit established in 2006 by Cooperative Extension Directors and Administrators nationwide. Extension Foundation is embedded in the U.S. Cooperative Extension System. Our mission is to empower a national network of community-based educators, volunteers, and partners to turn knowledge into real-world solutions for stronger communities and people.

 

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Extension Foundation Launches Extension Lab! — Leadership & Organizational Health Support for our Partners at Land-grant Institutions

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Extension Lab Logo

The Extension Foundation is proud to announce the launch of Extension Lab (EXL), a new offering designed to strengthen leadership, team performance, and organizational health across the Cooperative Extension system. EXL provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored to individuals, teams, and institutions seeking to lead with clarity, purpose, and long-term impact.

What is EXL?

EXL is a destination for personal, professional, and organizational health. Whether someone is stepping into a leadership role for the first time, guiding a team through change, or shaping long-term strategy, EXL offers trusted support, delivered in partnership with a broad network of experts from higher education, business, and beyond.

Services Offered

Through EXL, Extension Foundation provides two major service tracks:

  1. Development of People & Teams
  • Leadership development via research-based programs, coaching, workshops, and tools.
  • Team collaboration and performance improvement, including facilitation to build trust, psychological safety, and shared accountability
  • Change leadership and resilience to help navigate organizational change, reduce resistance, and foster engagement
  • Practical leadership tools for human relations, influencing without authority, and building emotional intelligence
  • Individualized coaching for leadership transitions, from emerging leaders to senior executives, with customization based on each person’s needs
  1. Strategic Consulting & High-Impact Engagements
  • Organizational culture and mission-alignment sessions aimed at ensuring values are lived and teams operate with clarity of purpose
  • Data-driven organizational assessments to surface hidden barriers to performance, such as inefficiencies or leadership gaps
  • Executive and management consulting to support operational leadership, decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and growth planning
  • Vision and growth strategy facilitation: cross-team retreats and planning to co-create bold visions, align priorities, and drive sustainable growth
  • Flexible support options, from one-time facilitation to multi-year partnerships, designed to support leadership pipelines, organizational change, and community impact

Why EXL Matters

As the needs and challenges facing Cooperative Extension continue to evolve, EXL provides a proactive, customizable resource to build resilient leadership, cohesive teams, and mission-aligned organizations. With EXL:

  • Emerging and established leaders can grow with purpose, self-awareness, and confidence
  • Teams can become more collaborative, communicative, and performance-driven
  • Organizations can more effectively align culture, strategy, and resources

Who Should Consider EXL

EXL is ideal for:

  • Individuals transitioning into leadership roles
  • Teams navigating change or seeking improved collaboration and cohesion
  • Organizations aiming to align mission, culture, and strategy for long-term impact
  • Extension systems looking for tailored, expert-driven organizational consulting and support

EXL is offered through the Extension Foundation and is available to Land-grant institutions whether or not they hold current membership. 

How to Get Started

Interested organizations or individuals are encouraged to schedule a discovery discussion to explore how EXL might meet their unique needs.

For more information about EXL, its offerings, and how to get started, visit the Extension Foundation website: https://extension.org/exl/

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Extension Foundation Releases National AI Report Highlighting Systemwide Priorities for Cooperative Extension and agInnovation

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The Extension Foundation has released the 2025 National AI Report, presenting a comprehensive picture of how Cooperative Extension and agInnovation leaders across the Land-grant system are preparing for artificial intelligence. The report synthesizes a national landscape assessment, virtual focus groups, and an in-person convening in 2025, engaging leaders across the Land-grant system.

To build a shared national direction, the project unfolded across four structured phases, each designed to deepen understanding and move the system from exploration to implementation:

Phase 1: AI Landscape Assessment

A national survey established a baseline view of institutional readiness, current AI use, governance structures, and leadership perspectives. Responses from 29 states provided the first systemwide snapshot of how Extension and agInnovation are approaching AI.

Phase 2: Virtual Convening & Focus Groups

More than 100 leaders from 41 universities participated in structured discussions exploring where institutions currently stand with AI, what concerns exist, and where opportunities may emerge. 

Phase 3: In-Person Convening, Brainstorming & Prioritization

Leaders met in person to generate strategies and then identify the most important areas requiring coordinated national action. This phase narrowed hundreds of ideas into focused priorities to guide long-term planning and investment.

Phase 4: In-Person Convening, Implementation Planning

Participants reconvened to outline implementation pathways for the highest-priority areas. Through facilitated discussions, leaders identified what resources, partnerships, and structural supports are required to move from ideas to action, ultimately consolidating the work into two overarching priorities: (1) Culture, Ethics, and Public Trust and (2) Capacity, Infrastructure, and Policy.

The report reflects a growing national alignment around how AI could be integrated across the Land-grant system. The report provides a foundation for coordinated leadership around shared priorities and outlines the supports needed for implementation to ensure that Extension and agInnovation can guide responsible, human-centered use of AI in service to communities nationwide. 

This work 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 in partnership with the University of New Hampshire Extension. 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 University of New Hampshire Extension.

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Conference & Event Services Now Available Through the Extension Foundation

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The Extension Foundation is excited to announce a newly expanded suite of Conference & Event Services, offering support to Land-grant university professionals and partner organizations to streamline planning and execution of meetings, workshops, and conferences. These services offer support in four core areas:

  • Registration & Financial Management. From secure payment processing to accounts receivable/payable, the Foundation manages all transaction workflows and provides transparent post-event financial reconciliation and reporting. Registration forms are customized to capture relevant participant details.
  • Planning & Design. The Foundation partners with clients to design cohesive events aligned with strategic goals. Services include venue sourcing and contracting, program structure, and more. 
  • Marketing & Communications. To boost attendance and engagement, the team handles email campaigns, event branding, website and landing page production, and attendee communications from before to after the event. Post-event evaluations are also supported, enabling organizers to collect and analyze participant feedback. 
  • Facilitation & Learning. Experienced facilitators are available to lead breakout sessions, stakeholder engagement dialogues, and interactive workshops. Additionally, the Foundation can provide pre- and post-event training, including courses like Crucial Conversations, Crucial Influence, leadership intensives, and team-building programs. 

The Conference & Event Services were piloted in 2025 with the National Urban Extension Leaders and with the Southern Region Program Leaders Network (PLN). 

For more information or to discuss how the Extension Foundation can support your next event, please visit us online at www.extension.org. The direct link to the Conference & Event Services Page can be found here. 

About the Extension Foundation

The Extension Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the nationwide Cooperative Extension System — the network of 112 Land-grant Universities that bring research and education directly into communities across the United States. Created by Extension leaders, the Foundation serves as the national infrastructure that helps this system scale its impact.

Through technology platforms, artificial intelligence tools, national programs, communications, and professional development, the Extension Foundation strengthens the ability of Cooperative Extension to respond to emerging challenges in agriculture, health, environment, and community development. Every dollar is reinvested to ensure that Extension professionals and institutions have the tools, resources, and support they need to serve people where they live and work.

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Extension Foundation Announces New Multimodal ExtensionBot to Help Institutions Become AI-Ready

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Extension AI

The Extension Foundation is pleased to announce that a new version of ExtensionBot (ExtBot) is now in testing. This next-generation version introduces significant upgrades designed to make artificial intelligence more available and useful across Cooperative Extension.

The updated ExtensionBot includes:

  • Multimodal support to upload images alongside prompts for richer interactions.
  • Model choice to select from multiple AI models when asking questions.
  • Improved feedback tools to enhance ways to share what works and what needs improvement.
  • Better citations for clearer, more reliable sourcing included in responses.

“With multimodal support, ExtensionBot can now analyze images alongside text, which opens the door to new ways Extension professionals can use AI in their work” said Mark Locklear, who helps lead the ExtBot project at the Extension Foundation. 

While still under testing, this version of ExtensionBot reflects a broader vision: helping Land-grant universities across the U.S. prepare both their data and their people for the AI era. The Extension Foundation leverages ExtensionBot not only as a tool, but also, with MERLIN, its companion platform, as a starting place for institutions to think about making their data AI-ready.

“ExtensionBot gives Cooperative Extension a practical way to step into the AI era. What our team is trying to do is help institutions think about how their data is prepared for AI and how their people can build confidence in using it” said Dr. Aaron Weibe, Director of Technology Services & Communications for the Extension Foundation. “Wherever institutions decide to go with AI in the future locally, ExtensionBot can be a great starting point on that journey.”

The Foundation welcomes Extension professionals to test this new version and provide feedback that will help shape its final release. To participate in testing, please reach out to Mark Locklear at marklocklear@extension.org or David Warren at davidwarren@extension.org.

About the Extension Foundation

The Extension Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the nationwide Cooperative Extension System — the network of 112 Land-grant Universities that bring research and education directly into communities across the United States. Created by Extension leaders, the Foundation serves as the national infrastructure that helps this system scale its impact.

Through technology platforms, artificial intelligence tools, national programs, communications, and professional development, the Extension Foundation strengthens the ability of Cooperative Extension to respond to emerging challenges in agriculture, health, environment, and community development. Every dollar is reinvested to ensure that Extension professionals and institutions have the tools, resources, and support they need to serve people where they live and work.

This work is supported 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 in partnership with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. 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 University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.

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National Leaders Chart the Future of Digital Extension at NDEET Strategic Planning Convening

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In late July, 27 participants representing 17 states gathered in Denver for the National Digital Extension Education Team (NDEET) Strategic Planning Convening, hosted by the Extension Foundation. This work was supported through a cooperative agreement with USDA-NIFA, New Technologies for Ag Extension, and in partnership with the University of New Hampshire Extension, grant number 2023-41595-41325. The meeting brought together Cooperative Extension leaders to address emerging broadband and digital needs, identifying priority areas that will shape Extension’s role in advancing digital opportunity and innovation nationwide.

Following dynamic discussions and collaborative planning, NDEET announced three priority focus areas for research and content development: Economic Development, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Emerging Technology, and Cybersecurity. Each area is anchored by defined goals, clear timelines, and action steps to strengthen Cooperative Extension’s capacity to serve communities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technology
 Leads: Victor Villegas and Jim Ladlee

  • AI Tech Hub Asset Mapping: Launch a national mapping initiative within 12 months to identify key AI resources, partners, and stakeholders.
  • Workforce Capacity Development: Create and implement a national AI capacity development plan to train a tech-ready Extension workforce.
  • Outreach & Engagement: Establish three new public collaboration opportunities within one year to promote safe, responsible AI use.

Cybersecurity
 Leads: Kenny Sherin, Terrence Wolfork, and Nick Pappin

  • Community Partnerships: By December 31, 2025, build localized cybersecurity networks by connecting Extension, ISPs, law enforcement, and community organizations.
  • Cyber Education: By December 31, 2026, deliver a national curriculum to wider audiences including agricultural producers, small businesses, and rural residents, reaching at least 1,000 participants.

Economic Development
 Leads: Cheyanne Geideman and Jessica Beckendorf

  • Digital Workforce Resources: By December 31, 2026, provide workforce-oriented digital training guides based on labor data and skill forecasts.
  • Workforce Landscape Scan: Conduct a nationwide review of digital skills training and credentialing by December 31, 2027.

  • Credentialing Partnerships: By December 31, 2028, launch Extension-led partnerships to expand credentialing opportunities in digital skills.
  • Digital Ecosystem Assessment: Release a tool for communities to assess local digital gaps and access targeted resources.

For more information, contact:
 Dr. Roseanne Scammahorn — r.scammahorn@msstate.edu
 Dr. Kristopher Elliott — kristopher.elliott@oregonstate.edu

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Request for Proposals (RFP): Discover Extension Front-End Platform

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The Extension Foundation is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to develop Discover Extension, a public-facing digital front-end platform that will serve as the entry point to two core systems:

Campus (Moodle-based LMS): Extension Foundation’s national platform for non-credit online courses from Land-grant universities across the United States.

AgriProspects Marketplace: An emerging hub for agricultural workforce training and credentialing, career exploration, and aligned job pathways (see https://agriprospects.extension.org for more details about AgriProspects).

The goal of this project is to create a user-friendly, mobile compatible platform that simplifies access, improves discoverability, and connects learners and job seekers to relevant content, credentials, and career information. We invite vendors with experience in learning experience platforms (LXP/LXS), workforce development interfaces, or educational technology integration to respond.

Objectives

Discover Extension will serve as a unified front door to the above platforms, helping adult learners:

Search and filter courses and credential opportunities across partner institutions

Save and track progress via learner dashboards

Receive personalized recommendations based on learning or career goals

Explore real-world job pathways and aligned credentials through the AgriProspects Marketplace

Access a clean, consistent user interface across both learning and workforce components

This project will not replace our current back-end systems (Moodle or the Marketplace), but rather wrap around them using secure integrations (APIs, SSO, etc.).

Scope of Work

  • Vendors must propose a solution that includes the following:
  • A clean, intuitive web interface that connects to both Campus (Moodle) and the AgriProspects Marketplace
  • Mobile-friendly design that works across devices
  • A searchable and filterable catalog of non-credit courses and credentials
  • Course detail pages with the ability to compare offerings
  • Personalized user dashboards to save courses and track progress
  • User registration and single sign-on capabilities (SSO)
  • Administrative dashboard for managing content and reviewing analytics
  • Integrated payment processing to replace D2L Course Merchant for Moodle-based courses
  • Support for individual and group purchases
  • Discount/promo codes and institutional pricing options
  • Seamless checkout and enrollment experience
  • ADA and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility compliance
  • SEO strategy for public discoverability
  • Capacity to scale with increased traffic and institutional participation
  • Demonstrate scalability to potentially connect to other systems in the future (e.g. Crowdstack for Calendar Events)

Technical Specifications

  • Architecture: Modular, cloud-based front-end system (preferably hosted on AWS, Azure, or equivalent)
  • Integrations:
  • Moodle via REST API and/or LTI
  • AgriProspects Marketplace (custom API integration; documentation available upon request)
  • Authentication: SSO using SAML 2.0 or OAuth2; compatibility with Shibboleth or Auth0 preferred
  • Search & Catalog:
  • Full-text, filterable search across structured course metadata
  • Optional integration with search indexing tools (e.g., Algolia, Elasticsearch)
  • E-commerce: Integration with Stripe or Paypal; support for coupons, group enrollments

User Roles:

  1. Public users (learners)
  2. Institutional admins/content editors
  3. Platform administrators (Extension Foundation staff)

Security: SSL/TLS encryption, GDPR and FERPA readiness, daily backups

Analytics: Integrated reporting dashboards for course performance, user engagement, traffic sources

Scalability: Ability to support 150,000+ users

Interoperability: Ability to push and pull information to platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Indeed.com, University-based LMSs, etc.

Timeline

  • Anticipated start date: Fall 2025
  • Initial launch goal: Within 90 days of contract execution
  • Support & maintenance: Ongoing support for at least 12 months post-launch

Proposal Requirements

Please include the following in your submission:

  • Company profile and relevant experience (particularly with LMS and workforce platforms)
  • Proposed approach and timeline
  • Technical architecture overview and integration plan
  • Sample screenshots or demo environments (including links if available)
  • References from comparable projects
  • Pricing model
  • Description of ongoing support and training offerings
  • Detailed budget.

Deadline to apply: September 1, 2025, 5pm EDT

Submit proposals to: https://registry.extension.org/252015669809060

Contacts

For more information on the Foundation’s Campus or Catalog LMS platforms, please contact Aaron Weibe (aaronweibe@extension.org)

For more information or to request technical documentation for the AgriProspects Marketplace, please contact: Jason Weigle (jasonweigle@extension.org)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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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