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Full-Text Articles in Education

Urban Homestead Education For Backyard Gardeners In Utah, Andree Walker Bravo Oct 2023

Urban Homestead Education For Backyard Gardeners In Utah, Andree Walker Bravo

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The Utah State University Extension Urban Homestead Expo caters to individuals and families interested in maximizing their self-sufficiency while living in an urban setting. The Urban Homestead Expo is designed to provide content to those wanting more than basic gardening classes, but who may not identify as producers. Workshops include backyard chickens, fruit production, water-wise irrigation, beekeeping, vegetable-integrated pest management, water harvesting, and other sustainability-related topics.


Addressing The Opioid Crises: An Evaluation Of The Community Opioid Education Pilot Program, Gabriela Murza, Cris Meier, Lily Ward, Sydney O'Shay, Dru Faldmo Oct 2023

Addressing The Opioid Crises: An Evaluation Of The Community Opioid Education Pilot Program, Gabriela Murza, Cris Meier, Lily Ward, Sydney O'Shay, Dru Faldmo

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Utah's opioid crisis presents unique challenges as progress was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This pilot study assessed the effectiveness of a brief webinar-based professional development program aimed at improving knowledge and confidence among health and behavioral healthcare professionals. Results indicated positive changes in participants' confidence and knowledge regarding opioid treatment options, misuse, and connecting individuals to resources.


Create Healthy Gardens: Evaluation Of A Snap-Ed And Master Gardener Collaboration, Emma Parkhurst, Lacee Jiminez, Sheriden M. Hansen, Kristi Strongo, Heidi Leblanc Oct 2023

Create Healthy Gardens: Evaluation Of A Snap-Ed And Master Gardener Collaboration, Emma Parkhurst, Lacee Jiminez, Sheriden M. Hansen, Kristi Strongo, Heidi Leblanc

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

A multidisciplinary team established the Davis County Create Healthy Gardens (CHG) program to improve access to fresh produce and help low-income residents gain skills to grow food and prepare nourishing meals. An evaluation of the program shows that participants had access to over 275 pounds of fresh produce, and most participants reported an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. They also reported an increase in their knowledge in gardening and food preparation.


Impact Of An Opioid Harm Reduction Consortium: Emergency And Justice Engagement, Maren Wright Wright Voss, Gabriele Ciciurkaite, Matthew Huntington, Melissa Flint, Emily Hamilton, Jennifer Peatross Oct 2023

Impact Of An Opioid Harm Reduction Consortium: Emergency And Justice Engagement, Maren Wright Wright Voss, Gabriele Ciciurkaite, Matthew Huntington, Melissa Flint, Emily Hamilton, Jennifer Peatross

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Utah State University Extension engaged first responders and law enforcement officials in a consortium to identify local needs related to opioid use disorder (OUD). To this end, the Tooele Opioid Response Network (TORN) conducted three first-responder harm reduction summits to meet local overdose prevention needs. The initiative trained over 200 personnel, which resulted in an 87.5% increase in knowledge related to harm reduction. TORN also facilitated the acquisition of $90,000 in funding for jail-based opioid medication and the disbursement of 400 naloxone kits and training to incarcerated persons at discharge.


Preparing Youth For Civic Life And Leadership: Evaluating The Washington County 4-H Youth Officer Program, Paul A. Hill, Katarina J. Aikens Oct 2023

Preparing Youth For Civic Life And Leadership: Evaluating The Washington County 4-H Youth Officer Program, Paul A. Hill, Katarina J. Aikens

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The Washington County 4-H Youth Officer Program was designed to address youth preparedness for civic life in a democratic society. This program is targeted to students in grades 6-8th, who are at a critical stage in their development as citizens. The program emphasizes experiential learning, which allows youth to learn by doing as they deliver public speeches, visit with elected officials, and facilitate business meetings using Roberts Rules of Order. A total of 24 youth participants completed the program over two years. Evaluation results showed the program was successful in achieving student learning outcomes, with significant improvements in citizenship knowledge …


The Remote Online Initiative: A Legislative Strategy For Rural Workforce Development In Utah, Amanda D. Ali, Paul A. Hill Jul 2023

The Remote Online Initiative: A Legislative Strategy For Rural Workforce Development In Utah, Amanda D. Ali, Paul A. Hill

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The Remote Online Initiative (ROI) was a legislative response to growing unemployment and limited job opportunities in rural Utah. The ROI program seeks to reduce unemployment in rural Utah communities via remote job placements. Since 2018, the ROI program has expanded to include three flagship certificate courses – Certified Remote Work Professional (CRWP), Certified Remote Work Leader (CRWL), and Certified Tech Sales Professional (CTSP). To date, evaluation results show that 411 Utah graduates found remote jobs after completing the CRWP course, 55% of participants said their department created a remote work environment and hired, on average, 19 remote employees upon …


Engaging Utah Educators To Teach 21st-Century Skills Using Drones, Denise Stewardson, Cory Ortiz, Lendel K. Narine, Joseph Furse Jul 2023

Engaging Utah Educators To Teach 21st-Century Skills Using Drones, Denise Stewardson, Cory Ortiz, Lendel K. Narine, Joseph Furse

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide a unique opportunity to teach complex STEM skills and promote agricultural literacy in the classroom. However, many teachers lack knowledge of UAVs and agricultural contexts for teaching with UAVs. This program delivered professional training to 56 teachers to develop their skills in using UAVs in the classroom to promote agricultural literacy.


Assessing The Needs Of Utah Dairy Farmers To Inform Extension Programming, Bruce F. Richards, Lendel Narine, Justin Clawson, Kalen Taylor, Jacob Hadfield, Jody Gale Jul 2023

Assessing The Needs Of Utah Dairy Farmers To Inform Extension Programming, Bruce F. Richards, Lendel Narine, Justin Clawson, Kalen Taylor, Jacob Hadfield, Jody Gale

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

A needs assessment was conducted by the Utah State University Dairy Extension Team to identify the most urgent issues faced by Utah dairy farmers. The assessment found that the top five priority needs were implementing new technology, improving public perception of water use, managing risk, succession planning, and reducing feed costs. The results will guide dairy Extension programming in Utah. Several workshops and events have already been planned to address these needs. Overall, the assessment will help USU Extension provide research-based educational programs to meet the needs of the dairy industry in Utah.


The 2022 Intertribal Opioid Wellness Summit: Promoting The Integration Of Harm Reduction And Holistic Whole-Person Wellness Efforts, Lily Ward, Valentine Sireech, Suzi Prevedel, Cris Meier Jul 2023

The 2022 Intertribal Opioid Wellness Summit: Promoting The Integration Of Harm Reduction And Holistic Whole-Person Wellness Efforts, Lily Ward, Valentine Sireech, Suzi Prevedel, Cris Meier

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Substance Use Disorder, including Opioid Use Disorder, is a persistent problem within tribal and rural communities across Utah. In response, the Tribal and Rural Opioid Initiative Resource Center delivered an annual summit that brought together community members and local service providers impacted by substance misuse to improve awareness and use of harm reduction resources and reduce social stigma. This article describes the results of the 2022 Intertribal Opioid Wellness Summit.


Evaluating The “What’S Up Down South” Economic Summit: A Platform For Business Leaders To Share Ideas, Paul A. Hill, Amanda D. Ali Jul 2023

Evaluating The “What’S Up Down South” Economic Summit: A Platform For Business Leaders To Share Ideas, Paul A. Hill, Amanda D. Ali

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The What’s Up Down South economic summit is southern Utah’s largest business gathering. The event provides the business community with economic insights to assist them in making informed decisions. USU Extension evaluated the 27th annual What's Up Down South economic summit. Results showed the event was an effective platform for disseminating information and advancing knowledge on economic and business topics. Participants felt the summit provided a valuable experience to the business community. These findings support the continuation of the summit's information dissemination activities in the future.


The Impact Of Usu Extension On Sustainable Natural Resources And Ecosystems, Justen Smith Apr 2023

The Impact Of Usu Extension On Sustainable Natural Resources And Ecosystems, Justen Smith

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The natural resource base of any economy is critically important to the economic and aesthetic environments for that area. Decisions and policies related to climate change and natural resource use lead to complex economic and social issues and concerns. The efficient management of natural resources is a primary concern for all individuals, and this is particularly true for Utah where natural resources are used for a variety of economic and social benefits. USU Extension addresses the issue of climate change and the management of natural resources through the Sustainable Natural Resources program.


The Impact Of Usu Extension On Public Food Safety, Heidi Leblanc Apr 2023

The Impact Of Usu Extension On Public Food Safety, Heidi Leblanc

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

With a large variety of food products moving through complex distribution systems, food safety is a critical issue for producers, processors, distribution systems, and the final consumer. Foodborne illness is a major cause of death, claiming the lives of our most vulnerable populations; the elderly, young, pregnant women, people with impaired immune function, and the chronically ill. Improper food handling and preparation of food in food service establishments and the home contribute to food-borne illnesses. The Public Food Safety Education program at Utah State University (USU) Extension aims to provide relevant research-based education to Utah residents on best practices to …


The Impact Of Usu Extension On Public Nutrition And Health, Heidi Leblanc Apr 2023

The Impact Of Usu Extension On Public Nutrition And Health, Heidi Leblanc

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

There is a need to provide effective nutrition information and education to the public to enable consumers to make wise dietary choices. As the relationships between diet, physical and mental health, and disease prevention become clearer, the promotion of healthy eating behaviors and lifestyles for both youth and adults has received increased attention in recent years. With high levels of obesity, chronic disease, and poor dietary habits, there is a need for non-formal nutrition education that addresses individual and family health and wellness. The Public Nutrition and Health Education program at Utah State University (USU) Extension seeks to decrease the …


The Impact Of Usu Extension On Positive Youth Development, David Francis Apr 2023

The Impact Of Usu Extension On Positive Youth Development, David Francis

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

4-H programs are grounded in the belief that youth learn best by doing. Kids and teens complete hands-on projects in many educational areas including science, health, agriculture, and civic engagement. 4-H allows youth to engage in their educational interests in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors, while also being encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids can concentrate on one focus area or they can try a variety of programs throughout their 4-H experience. Major educational areas in Utah 4-H at Utah State University (USU) Extension include 4-H STEM, 4-H Healthy Living, and Civic Engagement.


The Impact Of Usu Extension On Agricultural Productivity, Justen Smith Apr 2023

The Impact Of Usu Extension On Agricultural Productivity, Justen Smith

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Utah has over 18,000 farms and ranches spanning 11 million acres, which generate more than $21 billion in total economic output (after adjusting for the multiplier effect). While it is true that Utah becomes more urbanized each year, it is also true that agriculture continues to play a vital part in our state. As the population of Utah and the United States continues to grow, food production is more important than ever before. Utah State University (USU) Extension has led the way for 105 years in providing non-biased, research-based technical assistance to producers and the Utah agricultural industry.


The Impact Of Usu Extension On Building Vibrant Communities, Heidi Leblanc Apr 2023

The Impact Of Usu Extension On Building Vibrant Communities, Heidi Leblanc

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Utah consists of many rural counties spread out over vast areas of land, and only a few urban counties in centralized locations. As a result, there is an increasing disparity in economic opportunities for residents in rural counties. Therefore, the aim of the Vibrant Communities program at Utah State University (USU) Extension is to strengthen communities across Utah through facilitated community-focused coalitions and partnerships, entrepreneurship education, and strategic initiatives to facilitate economic and social well-being.


The Impact Of Usu Extension On Personal And Family Wellbeing, Heidi Leblanc Apr 2023

The Impact Of Usu Extension On Personal And Family Wellbeing, Heidi Leblanc

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

A major goal of USU Extension is to enhance individual and family resource management (FRM). FRM, which relates to financial management, also ties to other aspects of family health, such as healthy marital and family relationships, and mental health and well-being. As a broad program area, the target audience for this program includes youth, adults, and families in Utah. Desired long-term outcomes are to (a) strengthen family relationships, and (b) improve the economic well-being of individuals and families.