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Journal of Extension

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Virginia Team Nutrition Training Grant Workshop Participation Increased Intention To Change In Specific Topics, Rachel A Liebe, Kathleen J Porter, Valisa Hedrick, Elena Serrano, Kelly Shomo, Sandra Curwood, Sarah Misyak Oct 2026

Virginia Team Nutrition Training Grant Workshop Participation Increased Intention To Change In Specific Topics, Rachel A Liebe, Kathleen J Porter, Valisa Hedrick, Elena Serrano, Kelly Shomo, Sandra Curwood, Sarah Misyak

Journal of Extension

Team Nutrition is implemented nationally to improve school food environments. Yet evidence on factors impacting implementation is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the execution of the Team Nutrition Training Grant (TNTG) in Virginia elementary schools using the RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework. The TNTG grant was implemented through two train-the-trainer workshops that were conducted with school nutrition directors (SNDs). Overall, SNDs from 84% of school divisions attended at least one workshop. Intention to change increased significantly from pre- to post- for both workshops in some target areas. This evaluation could help practitioners guide the development of evaluation …

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How Wisconsin Extension Educators Talk About Climate Change Without Talking About ``Climate Change'', Sky Hershberger, Todd P. Newman Oct 2026

How Wisconsin Extension Educators Talk About Climate Change Without Talking About ``Climate Change'', Sky Hershberger, Todd P. Newman

Journal of Extension

Climate change touches all areas of Extension's programming. To understand how educators approach talking about climate change with constituents, we interviewed 15 Extension educators and three program managers in Wisconsin. Crops and Soils educators view climate change as interwoven with their work, Financial Education educators view it as mostly disconnected, and Community Economic Development educators range between these extremes. Educators in all three programs avoid the polarizing phrase ``climate change,'' instead focusing on specific, local, and relatable issues. Educators show empathy and emphasize resilience (adaptation) rather than mitigation. These findings can inform Extension's organizational strategy on climate change.

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Strategies To Transform Natural Resource Extension With Inaturalist And Engage The Public In Biodiversity Conservation, Corey T Callaghan, Brittany M Mason Oct 2026

Strategies To Transform Natural Resource Extension With Inaturalist And Engage The Public In Biodiversity Conservation, Corey T Callaghan, Brittany M Mason

Journal of Extension

Participatory citizen science is an increasingly popular tool that provides nonformal education and learning activities. iNaturalist, a free, open-access, participatory citizen science platform, provides a place to engage the public in natural resource programming. Here, we explore practical applications for integrating iNaturalist into Extension programming. We highlight two approaches: (a) self-guided programming, where participants independently engage in biodiversity documentation and professionals contribute identifications, and (b) facilitated programming, which involves structured events and projects led by Extension professionals. We discuss the unique advantages of using iNaturalist in these contexts and offer recommendations for quantitatively measuring and reporting its impact in Extension …

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Exploring The Current Landscape Of After-School Programs In 4-H, Theresa M Ferrari, Travis West Oct 2026

Exploring The Current Landscape Of After-School Programs In 4-H, Theresa M Ferrari, Travis West

Journal of Extension

After-school programs have attracted considerable attention as a setting for positive youth development programming, and 4-H has been part of the growth of the after-school field. We undertook the current study to describe the extent of after-school programming in 4-H and to learn about the breadth of program offerings and their frequency, duration, and location. The 139 respondents to our 15-question Qualtrics survey were from all regions of the United States and conducted programs in diverse communities. The information gained from this survey provides a snapshot of how 4-H professionals are involved with after-school programs in their communities.

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Financial Recovery Capital: Exploring The Role Of Extension Education In Promoting Substance Use Recovery, Alex Elswick, Nichole L Huff, Omolola A. Adedokun, Leslie Workman Oct 2026

Financial Recovery Capital: Exploring The Role Of Extension Education In Promoting Substance Use Recovery, Alex Elswick, Nichole L Huff, Omolola A. Adedokun, Leslie Workman

Journal of Extension

Substance use is a widespread and complex public health challenge. Financial stress (e.g., unemployment, inadequate housing, transportation access, poor financial literacy) is pervasive among people with substance use disorder (SUD). However, few educational interventions exist to address financial stress for this group. Through the theoretical lens of recovery capital (an asset-based approach that describes the totality of resources that support SUD recovery), we summarize the association between financial stress and substance use, offering implications for Extension educators by highlighting PROFIT, an exemplary program that leverages Extension education as a tool to promote financial recovery capital among people with SUD.

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Precision Approaches Improve Community Health, Roger A. Rennekamp, David Buys Sep 2026

Precision Approaches Improve Community Health, Roger A. Rennekamp, David Buys

Journal of Extension

Recent advances in data science provide Extension practitioners with access to data sorted by zip code, census tract, or neighborhood. Such hyper-local data now allows Extension personnel to assess community needs and assets at a more granular level and focus their work on the people and communities of greatest need. In this article, we introduce an approach we refer to as precision public health. Using such a precision approach to community assessment and, ultimately, programming can save money, increase the likelihood of producing measurable results, and create more manageable workloads for county-based Extension personnel.

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Mindful Parenting And Toddlers' Food Responsiveness: The Role Of Controlling Feeding Practices, Qingyu Jiang, Holly Wilhite, Natalie A. Williams, Dipti A. Dev, Caron A. C. Clark, Pearl Avari, Sarah B. Ladd Aug 2026

Mindful Parenting And Toddlers' Food Responsiveness: The Role Of Controlling Feeding Practices, Qingyu Jiang, Holly Wilhite, Natalie A. Williams, Dipti A. Dev, Caron A. C. Clark, Pearl Avari, Sarah B. Ladd

Journal of Extension

Controlling feeding practices may negatively impact children's eating behaviors. Mindful parenting may offer a promising way to reduce the use of these practices. This study examined the mediating role of pressuring children to eat and using food as a reward in the association between mindful parenting and toddlers' food responsiveness. Results indicated that higher levels of mindful parenting were associated with lower pressuring to eat, which was related to lower food responsiveness in toddlers. The results may inform Extension professionals providing mindfulness strategies for mothers of young children to improve feeding practices, ultimately reducing children's unhealthful eating behaviors.

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Training Needs And Preferences Of Small-Scale Farmers In Maryland, Lila B. Karki, Prem Bhandari, Enrique N Escobar Jul 2026

Training Needs And Preferences Of Small-Scale Farmers In Maryland, Lila B. Karki, Prem Bhandari, Enrique N Escobar

Journal of Extension

This study examined small-scale farmers' (N = 124) current needs, emerging priorities, and training preferences from a Farmers' Needs Assessment in Agriculture. They reported marketing agricultural products as the most important activity for building capacity, followed by certification for good agricultural practices; low-volume, high-value crops; agribusiness and enterprise development; specialty and ethnic vegetable production; and developing value-added products. The most preferred educational materials were hands-on exercises and digital learning videos. They preferred weekend programs over weekdays (afternoon, evening, and virtual) and shorter sessions over daylong sessions to benefit most from the educational events.

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Water Dogs-Master Gardener Driven Landscape Water And Soil Conservation Program, Sarah J Browning, Kelly Feehan, Nicole Stoner, Roch Gaussion, Elizabeth Exstrom, John Fech, David Lott Jul 2026

Water Dogs-Master Gardener Driven Landscape Water And Soil Conservation Program, Sarah J Browning, Kelly Feehan, Nicole Stoner, Roch Gaussion, Elizabeth Exstrom, John Fech, David Lott

Journal of Extension

``Set it and forget it'' is a common practice with automatic irrigation systems and can lead to excessive irrigation, unhealthy root systems, and water waste. The Water Dogs program in Nebraska focuses on educating Extension Master Gardener volunteers (EMGVs). The goal was to increase their understanding of turfgrass water needs, efficient irrigation methods, and soil health management practices, and to promote greater engagement of EMGVs with homeowner audiences to share and demonstrate the knowledge gained and practices learned through ``Neighbor-to-Neighbor'' workshops. The overall goal is to conserve water and improve soil and plant health.

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An Exploration Of Extension Professionals' Evaluation Experiences In Indigenous Contexts, Sara M. Tomis, J.C. Bunch, Amy Harder, T. Grady Roberts Jul 2026

An Exploration Of Extension Professionals' Evaluation Experiences In Indigenous Contexts, Sara M. Tomis, J.C. Bunch, Amy Harder, T. Grady Roberts

Journal of Extension

Extension professionals evaluating programs that engage Indigenous youth face unique opportunities and challenges. The purpose of this study was to explore these professionals' evaluation experiences, with a focus on culturally responsive practice. We conducted a focus group comprised of professionals associated with the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP). Study findings revealed a need for enhanced support for FRTEP professionals conducting evaluations of programs for Indigenous youth audiences, as well as for more culturally responsive practice within the Cooperative Extension System.

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A Community Planning Approach To Green Infrastructure And Hazard Mitigation, Kara Salazar, Daniel Walker, Carrie Mckillip Jul 2026

A Community Planning Approach To Green Infrastructure And Hazard Mitigation, Kara Salazar, Daniel Walker, Carrie Mckillip

Journal of Extension

As communities seek to increase their resilience to climate change and natural hazards, integrating mitigation and adaptation solutions into local planning has become essential. Purdue Extension, the University of Illinois Extension, and Illinois–Indiana Sea Grant developed a program, funded by the Extension Disaster Education Network, which supports community-based updates to hazard mitigation and resilience planning, with an emphasis on green infrastructure. This paper highlights the lessons we learned after implementing the program in Hancock County, Illinois, and LaPorte, Indiana, and the toolkit we created, which provides engagement and education techniques, planning processes, and other resources to Extension professionals working in …

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Reel Into Fishing!: Providing A Recreational Fishing Education Program For Youth, Amelia Valente, Douglas R. Zemeckis, Lisa Morse, Gene Nigro Jul 2026

Reel Into Fishing!: Providing A Recreational Fishing Education Program For Youth, Amelia Valente, Douglas R. Zemeckis, Lisa Morse, Gene Nigro

Journal of Extension

New Jersey is known as the Garden State, but with over 130 miles of Atlantic coastline, it also has very productive marine ecosystems that offer numerous opportunities for recreational marine fishing. The International Game Fish Association, a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices, collaborated with Rutgers Cooperative Extension to host a youth educational program entitled Reel Into Fishing! The objective is to educate participants through hands-on engagement on ethical fishing practices and marine science to help develop the next generation of responsible anglers.

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Ohio Beef Quality Audit – 2021: Survey Of Carcass Characteristics Related To Quality Attributes And The Investigation Of Meat Processor Needs, Bo M. C. Garcia, Benjamin M. Bohrer, Stephen Boyles, Joy N. Rumble, Alejandro E. Relling, Lyda G. Garcia Jul 2026

Ohio Beef Quality Audit – 2021: Survey Of Carcass Characteristics Related To Quality Attributes And The Investigation Of Meat Processor Needs, Bo M. C. Garcia, Benjamin M. Bohrer, Stephen Boyles, Joy N. Rumble, Alejandro E. Relling, Lyda G. Garcia

Journal of Extension

While beef quality audits have been conducted on a national level in the United States every 5 years since 1991, state-level audits are uncommon. Our team believed that Ohio beef producers would benefit from a state-level audit, so in 2021 we developed and conducted an Ohio Beef Quality Audit, evaluating Ohio meat processing facilities and assessing Ohio meat processors' needs and views on factors that influence meat quality. This paper details the results of that audit, which demonstrated that Ohio beef quality was similar to national beef quality; our audit also highlighted the need to increase fundamental meat science education …

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Extension's Role In Creating Wide Bridges Between Communities And Campus, Jentry Stoneman Barrett, Karly Black, Carrie L. Gottschalk Jul 2026

Extension's Role In Creating Wide Bridges Between Communities And Campus, Jentry Stoneman Barrett, Karly Black, Carrie L. Gottschalk

Journal of Extension

Cooperative Extension System educators empower their communities to meet the challenges they face by translating research-based work for the general public and then bringing that work to those who can put knowledge into practice. However, the assets and needs of communities are broader than those addressed by Extension. Often, the university can offer more resources when it has a mechanism to understand the community's assets and needs. This article details how Nebraska Extension has activated its Engagement Zone Coordinators and community network to provide more opportunities for faculty, staff, postdocs, and students to engage in community-based work.

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Are Extension Agriculture Programs Hitting Their Target With Military Veterans?, Adam Ingrao, Craig W Carpenter, Michael Lotspeich-Yadao, Charles M. Tolbert Jul 2026

Are Extension Agriculture Programs Hitting Their Target With Military Veterans?, Adam Ingrao, Craig W Carpenter, Michael Lotspeich-Yadao, Charles M. Tolbert

Journal of Extension

The desire to support military veterans has led to a variety of targeted Extension programs, but the types and availability of these programs vary substantially. After reviewing the size and diversity of the U.S. veteran population, we examine one of the main USDA programs targeting veterans: the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development program. We then use matrix analysis to categorize veteran support programs across other program areas. Finally, we compare these programs with veterans' needs, as described in recently conducted veteran focus groups, and conclude by highlighting gaps and opportunities for improving Extension programming for veterans, including substantially improving program …

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Becoming Beyond Ready: Determining Staffing Levels For The 4-H Program To Achieve Opportunity For All Youth, Jeremy Elliott-Engel Jul 2026

Becoming Beyond Ready: Determining Staffing Levels For The 4-H Program To Achieve Opportunity For All Youth, Jeremy Elliott-Engel

Journal of Extension

4-H seeks to expand opportunity and access for all youth, yet little guidance exists regarding the staffing levels required to achieve that goal. In this commentary, I examine staffing ratios as a measure of organizational capacity and propose discussion of a framework based on the ratio of 4-H professionals to potential youth participants rather than current enrollment. I argue that staffing decisions should move beyond historical staffing patterns and budget constraints and should account for population size, density, and community characteristics. This framework is intended to stimulate discussion about strategic staffing approaches that support sustainability and/or growth of the 4-H …

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Survey Increases Understanding Of United States Sweetpotato Producer Clean Seed Needs, Lorin Harvey, Mark Shankle, Rachael Carter, Kelsey Harvey Jul 2026

Survey Increases Understanding Of United States Sweetpotato Producer Clean Seed Needs, Lorin Harvey, Mark Shankle, Rachael Carter, Kelsey Harvey

Journal of Extension

A needs assessment of sweetpotato producers across the United States was conducted as part of a strategic planning process to enhance the applicability of research and education. A national survey and a 2-day grant-planning workshop were also used to engage stakeholders to develop a USDA–NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiative Proposal to improve and promote clean seed programs. Ninety-five U.S. sweetpotato producers completed the survey, representing more than 73,000 acres of production. Therefore, the survey respondents are estimated to account for nearly half of U.S. sweetpotato production, underscoring the importance and relevance of the results.

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Development And Evaluation Of A Community-Based Water Quality Monitoring Program In Mississippi, Beth H. Baker, Lily Langstaff, Mona Dominguez, Sergio Ruiz-Cordova, Eric Sparks, Madison Gnoose Jul 2026

Development And Evaluation Of A Community-Based Water Quality Monitoring Program In Mississippi, Beth H. Baker, Lily Langstaff, Mona Dominguez, Sergio Ruiz-Cordova, Eric Sparks, Madison Gnoose

Journal of Extension

Community-based water monitoring (CBWM) programs provide mechanisms for education and water quality data collection. In this pilot program, we adapted a long-standing CBWM program from Alabama to Mississippi. We assessed the efficacy of the initial program implementation in promoting changes in knowledge, skills, and behavior of participants. Results indicated that 94% of survey respondents reported increased knowledge, 96% reported learning a new skill, and 99% reported an intention to start monitoring, but only 33% engaged in active monitoring. This evaluation summary offers data-driven strategies to expand and adopt CBWM into Extension curricula that build knowledge, skills, and capacity for community …

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Financial Analysis Tool (Ct-Ft) For Western North Carolina Christmas Tree Growers, Sam Blumenfeld, Solomon Ghezehei, Justin G.A. Whitehill, Elizabeth G. Nichols Jul 2026

Financial Analysis Tool (Ct-Ft) For Western North Carolina Christmas Tree Growers, Sam Blumenfeld, Solomon Ghezehei, Justin G.A. Whitehill, Elizabeth G. Nichols

Journal of Extension

Western North Carolina is a major national Christmas tree (CT) production region, yet the CT industry faces numerous challenges that threaten its financial sustainability. Little economic research has been done, and limited decision-making tools exist to assist producers, Extension agents, and associated industry stakeholders. We developed an Excel-based financial analysis tool (CT-FT) to assist small and midsize wholesale CT producers in operational planning and financial assessment. The publicly available financial tools will enable CT growers to better understand their finances and operations, interact with financial stakeholders, assess alternative management scenarios, and track yearly costs to improve operational financial sustainability.

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Adapting And Delivering An Extension Diabetes Self-Management Support Program To Serve The Hispanic Community, Camden Bryan, Samantha Kanny, Christina Dietz, Danielle Mcfall, Michelle Parisi, Michelle Stancil, Johanna Bruen, Rhonda Matthews, Windsor W Sherrill Jul 2026

Adapting And Delivering An Extension Diabetes Self-Management Support Program To Serve The Hispanic Community, Camden Bryan, Samantha Kanny, Christina Dietz, Danielle Mcfall, Michelle Parisi, Michelle Stancil, Johanna Bruen, Rhonda Matthews, Windsor W Sherrill

Journal of Extension

Expanding Extension education programs to serve the Hispanic community will be important as this population continues to grow. The rate of diabetes is higher among the Hispanic population than the non-Hispanic population; however, the barriers to implementing a health education program and recruiting participants are plentiful. This paper highlights the work conducted by the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service, in partnership with organizations across South Carolina, to adapt and deliver the Health Extension for Diabetes program to the Hispanic community. It offers insights into effective strategies for program adaptation, recruitment, and delivery that agents can use to overcome barriers and increase …

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Assessing Knowledge Levels And Learning Preferences Among Organic Grain Farmers And Professionals; The Experience Of The University Of Wisconsin Ograin Program, Lauren Asprooth, Claire G Stedden, Evelyn Hammond, Ayse Okur, Erin Silva Jul 2026

Assessing Knowledge Levels And Learning Preferences Among Organic Grain Farmers And Professionals; The Experience Of The University Of Wisconsin Ograin Program, Lauren Asprooth, Claire G Stedden, Evelyn Hammond, Ayse Okur, Erin Silva

Journal of Extension

With lagging domestic supplies of organic grains, transitioning from conventional to organic grain production is needed, but can be a daunting challenge for farmers. The OGRAIN program began at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2015 to support increased organic grain production in the Midwest. We surveyed 429 OGRAIN participants to assess the most accessed resources, areas of knowledge change, and areas for program improvement. Participants highlighted the importance of networking and the need for additional marketing resources. Differences were found in programming preferences by organic farming experience. These results can improve our understanding of how to best support organic grain …

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Building Academic-Community Partnerships To Reduce Rural Health Disparities, Latoya J. O'Neal, Marcia Brown, Biswadeep Dhar, Noemi Reyes, Brittany Blake, John Diaz, Karla Shelnutt Jul 2026

Building Academic-Community Partnerships To Reduce Rural Health Disparities, Latoya J. O'Neal, Marcia Brown, Biswadeep Dhar, Noemi Reyes, Brittany Blake, John Diaz, Karla Shelnutt

Journal of Extension

Rural health disparities are increasing in the United States. Academic–community partnerships between Extension and faith-based organizations present a unique opportunity to improve health outcomes in rural areas. The main objective of this study was to identify the perceived barriers, needs, and strategies for implementing effective and sustainable health promotion programs through Extension and faith community partnerships. We conducted semi-structured interviews with Extension professionals and faith community leaders (N = 15). Our results suggest that academic–community partnerships could leverage shared needs, resources, and strategies to serve as a model for reducing health disparities among low-income, minoritized adults residing in rural …

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Collaboration Is Key: Improving And Increasing Inclusive Programming Through Partnership, Brandy D James, Elizabeth Sparks, Fiona S Davey, Burris Duncan, Nadine Chau Jul 2026

Collaboration Is Key: Improving And Increasing Inclusive Programming Through Partnership, Brandy D James, Elizabeth Sparks, Fiona S Davey, Burris Duncan, Nadine Chau

Journal of Extension

Collaborative partnerships between Cooperative Extension offices and the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities are a key opportunity to assess and improve accessible, inclusive programming for the communities they serve. This article outlines such a partnership between local Extension, the local UCEDD, and the local Network for Down Syndrome. It reviews their collaborative process and the resulting pilot program—-an inclusive cooking class. Evaluations of the program and collaborative process demonstrate that the partners' collaboration enabled organizational capacity building and improved service provision for persons with Down Syndrome.

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Attracting Extension Program Participants: Tips For Extension Educators, Suzanna R. Windon, Theodore R. Alter Jul 2026

Attracting Extension Program Participants: Tips For Extension Educators, Suzanna R. Windon, Theodore R. Alter

Journal of Extension

Extension educators hold a competitive advantage by delivering educational programs tailored to their communities' unique circumstances and perspectives. This article enhances the understanding of the proactive Extension program model and contributes to the literature on Extension educators' competencies. It offers tips for attracting participants to Extension programs and sustaining their engagement. Additionally, the proposed rubric is a practical tool for educators to assess and ensure that all aspects of their programs are well-prepared for successful implementation and meaningful participant involvement.

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Nasa Student Launch Initiative And 4-H Stem Engagement, Kelly Dziak Jun 2026

Nasa Student Launch Initiative And 4-H Stem Engagement, Kelly Dziak

Journal of Extension

In 4-H programs, youth take the lead as scientists and engineers in their project work. NASA's Student Launch Initiative challenges youth to design and launch high-powered rockets carrying scientific payloads. This competition models the work process of real-world NASA contractors. In 2023 and 2024, the Morris County New Jersey ResistoJets Rocketry 4-H Club competed as the only team representing the 4-H youth development program. This experience intentionally placed youth in authentic roles as scientists, researchers, engineers, and educators. The goals of NASA's Student Launch Initiative and 4-H align to provide a rich learning experience for youth interested in STEM.

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In Memoriam - A Tribute To Dr. Stephen "Steve" Brown, Jenna Anding, Theresa M. Ferrari Nov 2025

In Memoriam - A Tribute To Dr. Stephen "Steve" Brown, Jenna Anding, Theresa M. Ferrari

Journal of Extension

No abstract provided.

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Interpreting Extension Professionals' Viewpoints On Agricultural Climate Change Programming, Aaron B. Wilson, Alli Wenman, Samuel Pratsch, Kenneth Genskow, Patrick Robinson, Dennis Todey, Laurie Nowatzke, Namah Chiamo Taku-Forchu, Moses Wanyakha Nov 2025

Interpreting Extension Professionals' Viewpoints On Agricultural Climate Change Programming, Aaron B. Wilson, Alli Wenman, Samuel Pratsch, Kenneth Genskow, Patrick Robinson, Dennis Todey, Laurie Nowatzke, Namah Chiamo Taku-Forchu, Moses Wanyakha

Journal of Extension

We evaluated Extension professionals' attitudes and beliefs from Midwestern "1862" land-grant universities around three themes: prioritizing climate programming, farmers' perceptions, and the role of Extension leadership in building capacity to integrate climate change into programs. Using key informant interviews and a two-hour virtual workshop, we developed 'coordinate planes' to illustrate the tensions and contradictions among the three themes, with participants expressing highly diverse viewpoints across the region. Results identify the need for Extension leadership to support multi-state programs and shared resources that provide consistent guidance and expectations around climate change programming while recognizing the intrinsic state context and values.

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Farm Tour Evaluation Tool For Agricultural Awareness, Hannah Eason, Jessica Ryals, Yvette Goodiel, Lauren Butler, John Diaz, Marilyn Swisher Nov 2025

Farm Tour Evaluation Tool For Agricultural Awareness, Hannah Eason, Jessica Ryals, Yvette Goodiel, Lauren Butler, John Diaz, Marilyn Swisher

Journal of Extension

Educational farm tours offer learning opportunities that cannot be duplicated in a classroom setting. Developing a consistent farm tour evaluation tool is paramount to quantifying individual Extension farm tours while also providing a common platform to measure outcomes and impacts nationally and over time. An IRB-approved farm tour evaluation tool was developed to capture agricultural awareness and used to evaluate the 2022 National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting/Professional Improvement Conference (NACAA AM/PIC) tours. The evaluation tool attempts to quantify farm tour outcomes and impacts and demonstrate the value of agriculture to decision makers, consumers, and community members.

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Using Fermi Estimates Within Needs Assessments: An Extension Professional’S Guide, Emma Lonstrup, Carolyn D. Rider, Miranda R. Westfall Nov 2025

Using Fermi Estimates Within Needs Assessments: An Extension Professional’S Guide, Emma Lonstrup, Carolyn D. Rider, Miranda R. Westfall

Journal of Extension

Needs assessments are an important activity for Extension professionals, as they identify community assets and guide decisions about programs and services. A common challenge is a lack of needs assessment data. The Fermi Estimate Framework can help Extension professionals overcome the challenge of missing data by producing reasonable estimates to answer questions of interest. Here we share detailed, step-by-step instructions for using the Fermi Estimate Framework, accompanied by a real-world Extension example.

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Bringing Lived Experience Into Curriculum Review: A Proposed Participatory Model, Monica M. Lobenstein, Stepha Velednitsky, Joanna Skluzacek Phd, Briley Rossiter Nov 2025

Bringing Lived Experience Into Curriculum Review: A Proposed Participatory Model, Monica M. Lobenstein, Stepha Velednitsky, Joanna Skluzacek Phd, Briley Rossiter

Journal of Extension

Processes for curriculum review and selection vary across Extension but often rest with educators, specialists, and leadership. For many topics, their educational leadership is appropriate. For topics relating to social, cultural, and/or political aspects of people’s lives, Extension professionals may be limited in essential perspectives to select suitable curricula. Curriculum Jams is a five-step process that engages community youth and adults in identifying relevant criteria, which are used to review existing curricula for use in Extension programs and beyond. While challenges exist, multiple process pilot tests illustrated the process's strengths with encouraging results, including responsive criteria and improved relevance in …

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