Every university teaches. Most conduct research. But only the Nation's more than 100 Land-grant Colleges and Universities have a third, critical mission—sharing that research-based knowledge and information to every county in the United States through Cooperative Extension.
Born from the Smith-Lever Act in 1914, the Cooperative Extension System (CES), or Extension, takes the university to the people. It turns laboratory discoveries into real-world tools that help farmers grow healthier crops, families build stronger communities, and young people develop into the capable leaders of tomorrow.
The foundation of Extension’s public-service mission is a three-tiered management system—Federal oversight by USDA NIFA, State-level activities led by Land-grants, and local implementation by Extension agents.
NIFA’s Essential Role
As the Federal partner to Extension, NIFA sets national priorities and program guidelines, awards competitive and capacity grants that boost State and county dollars, and provides leadership and evaluation so that individual successes can be scaled to serve other communities. The agency supports both the universities and local Extension offices to bring science, much of which is conducted at State Agricultural Experiment Stations, directly to the regional and county level.
Proven System with Unprecedented Reach
With an office in or near almost all the Nation's 3,000 counties, Extension agents deliver practical, research-based solutions that translate into real-world benefits, advance lifelong learning, and strengthen communities. By living where they work, county agents ensure programs tackle actual community needs and give residents a direct line to university expertise.
Extension professionals are central to the system’s effectiveness, holding a respected position that they have earned over a century of service. Together with university scientists and subject matter experts, these county-based educators provide proven answers for community issues, evaluate the effectiveness of learning tools, and collect feedback that shapes future research and programming efforts.
Always Evolving, Always Relevant
From its 18th century agricultural society roots to today’s digital outreach, Extension has never stopped adapting. It continues to address a wide range of human, plant, and animal needs in both rural and urban areas. Extension works to translate science for practical applications.
- Identify emerging research questions
- Find answers and encourage the application of science and technology to improve agricultural, economic, and social conditions
- Encourage healthy lifestyles
- Prepare youths for responsible adulthood
- Provide rapid response to disasters and emergencies
Today, modern technology spreads Extension’s message faster than ever before. However, the secret to Extension’s success remains the same—scientifically informed, reliable local Extension agents who know their neighbors and have earned their trust.
Extension Foundation
The Extension Foundation helps Extension professionals find innovative ways to generate local impact. It partners with Cooperative Extension to increase capacity and help Extension programs develop new methods and models for programs.
Explore Extension.orgWhat We Do
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