Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 69

Full-Text Articles in Education

Outcomes Of An Educational Series For Latino Entrepreneurs In Utah, Celina Wille Oct 2024

Outcomes Of An Educational Series For Latino Entrepreneurs In Utah, Celina Wille

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Latino-owned businesses represent one of the fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. economy. Critical to the success of Latino entrepreneurs are enhanced access to capital and education in best practices such as financial management and customer engagement. Utah State University (USU) Extension, in collaboration with Latino Entrepreneurs of Northern Utah (ELNU), developed and delivered a targeted educational series in fall 2021 and spring 2022. The series effectively increased participants’ knowledge and satisfaction, with a final survey showing 47% to 60% of participants planning to adopt new business practices. The initiative highlights the importance of tailored educational programs in empowering Latino business …


Nourishtank: Participant Experiences And Feedback, Palak Gupta, Heidi Leblanc, Lea Palmer Oct 2024

Nourishtank: Participant Experiences And Feedback, Palak Gupta, Heidi Leblanc, Lea Palmer

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

NourishTank is a shark-style competition that empowers students to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for combating hunger and ensuring food security. Following the inaugural NourishTank event, participants provided valuable feedback, including an enhanced understanding of hunger issues, improved hard and soft skills, and expressed interest in volunteering. Feedback emphasized academic and personal network channels for awareness and suggestions for improvement related to program refinement and expansion of outreach efforts.


Assessing Community Needs And Concerns In Iron County, Meagan Johnston, Lendel Narine Oct 2024

Assessing Community Needs And Concerns In Iron County, Meagan Johnston, Lendel Narine

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Utah State University Extension conducted a needs assessment to identify priority needs in Iron County. The needs assessment employed a three-phase approach involving interviews, surveys, and data analysis. Results revealed top priority issues, including youth mental health, preparing youth for successful careers, and employment opportunities. The findings will guide Extension programming in addressing community needs effectively.


Raising Awareness Of The Link Between Coal Mining And Mental Health, Kristen Koci, Jessica D. Ulrich-Schad, Courtney G. Flint, Ashley Yaugher, Amanda Mcintosh, Gabriela Murza, Aaron Hunt Oct 2024

Raising Awareness Of The Link Between Coal Mining And Mental Health, Kristen Koci, Jessica D. Ulrich-Schad, Courtney G. Flint, Ashley Yaugher, Amanda Mcintosh, Gabriela Murza, Aaron Hunt

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Mental health is a concern in Carbon and Emery Counties of Utah, particularly in its association with coal mining. An event was held to raise awareness about how the industry impacts mental health and resources to address it. Results from pre- and post-surveys show the usefulness of the event to attendees.


Evaluating The "What's Up Down South" Economic Summit: Transforming Feedback Into Value And Relevance, Paul A. Hill Oct 2024

Evaluating The "What's Up Down South" Economic Summit: Transforming Feedback Into Value And Relevance, Paul A. Hill

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

This article explores the impact of the "What's Up Down South" economic summit. Reviewing post-2023 summit changes reveals how adjustments address southern Utah's diverse business needs. Findings show greater attendee satisfaction, increased capacity, and demographic diversity, confirming the summit's role in economic development.


Impact Of The 2023 Central Utah Grazing Expo, Trenton Wilde, Eric Thacker, Ryan Larsen, Chad Page, Burdette Barker, Mark Nelson, Matt Palmer, Steven Price, Jacob Hadfield, Kalen Taylor, Ethan Gilliam Jul 2024

Impact Of The 2023 Central Utah Grazing Expo, Trenton Wilde, Eric Thacker, Ryan Larsen, Chad Page, Burdette Barker, Mark Nelson, Matt Palmer, Steven Price, Jacob Hadfield, Kalen Taylor, Ethan Gilliam

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

A collaboration between Extension Agriculture and Natural Resource specialists and county faculty responded to a need to educate public land grazing permit holders, public land management agency personnel, and public members on regulations, management, economics, and social values associated with public land grazing permits.


A Process Evaluation Of Utah’S Food Security Council, Palak Gupta, Heidi Leblanc Jul 2024

A Process Evaluation Of Utah’S Food Security Council, Palak Gupta, Heidi Leblanc

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Utah’s Food Security Council (FSC) brings together diverse stakeholders to address food security across the state. As FSC concluded its inaugural year of work, a process evaluation assessed its progress. Findings will inform FSC’s future strategic improvements, partnerships, and community outreach activities.


The Utah Urban And Small Farms Conference: A Model For Small Acreage Producer Extension Programming, Katie Wagner, Ruby Ward, Kynda R. Curtis, Sheriden M. Hansen, Melanie Stock Jul 2024

The Utah Urban And Small Farms Conference: A Model For Small Acreage Producer Extension Programming, Katie Wagner, Ruby Ward, Kynda R. Curtis, Sheriden M. Hansen, Melanie Stock

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The Utah Urban and Small Farms Conference (USFC) provides outreach to small acreage and urban producers facing urbanization and environmental challenges and offers marketing and profitability opportunities. The annual event attracts new and existing farmers, stakeholders, and representatives. The USFC model may assist communities facing similar challenges, helping producers navigate obstacles and opportunities through localized information sharing.


Evaluating 45 Years Of Collaborative Range Livestock Education, Melanie Heaton, Andrew Brischke, Ben Scow Jul 2024

Evaluating 45 Years Of Collaborative Range Livestock Education, Melanie Heaton, Andrew Brischke, Ben Scow

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The Arizona/Utah Range Livestock Workshop & Tour builds cooperation and understanding between public land grazing permittees and federal agency personnel through science-based education. The workshop provides information on livestock production practices and addresses controversial grazing issues in a non-confrontational environment. Topics range from animal handling, vaccination, and health to solar development, partnering with public land agencies, and recreation effects.


A National Perspective Of Mental Health Awareness Among Agricultural Workers, Anna Gilliam, Ethan Gilliam Jul 2024

A National Perspective Of Mental Health Awareness Among Agricultural Workers, Anna Gilliam, Ethan Gilliam

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The knowledge and perceptions of mental health resources for agricultural workers were explored at the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) National Conference. Data were gathered via a voluntary survey conducted at the event. With 137 completed surveys, the study revealed that the participants desired more information regarding agricultural mental health resources and revealed their preferences for receiving this information. These findings will lead USU Extension to create impactful educational resources to better address mental health awareness and education needs in agricultural workers.


Nourishtank: An Innovative Program On Solving Hunger, Palak Gupta, Ashley Sullivan, Kristin Hoch, Lea Palmer, Jocelin Gibson, Mateja Savoie-Roskos, Heidi Leblanc Apr 2024

Nourishtank: An Innovative Program On Solving Hunger, Palak Gupta, Ashley Sullivan, Kristin Hoch, Lea Palmer, Jocelin Gibson, Mateja Savoie-Roskos, Heidi Leblanc

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

NourishTank, a Shark Tank-style event, saw students propose food and nutrition insecurity solutions. Twenty-eight students formed 11 teams, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. The winning idea, 'Farm2Fork Gone Mobile,' earned $1,000 toward their proposed project. NourishTank, through partnerships and media, highlights student-driven efforts combating food insecurity and raising awareness.


Assessing Parent And Guardian Outcomes For The Be Epic, Escape The Vape Program In Rural Southeast Utah, Ashley C. Yaugher, Christina Pay, Josie Hatch, Cris Meier Apr 2024

Assessing Parent And Guardian Outcomes For The Be Epic, Escape The Vape Program In Rural Southeast Utah, Ashley C. Yaugher, Christina Pay, Josie Hatch, Cris Meier

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Be Epic is a multi-component youth vape prevention program for rural youth, teachers, and parents. Annual parent/guardian events provide vape prevention education during a single session. Evaluation results showed that the program led to an increase in parents' knowledge and intention to talk with their youth about e-cigarettes.


Balancing Agriculture And Wildlife: The Impact Of Elk And Deer Grazing On Farming And Ranching Lands, Ethan Gilliam, Anna Gilliam, Jody Gale Apr 2024

Balancing Agriculture And Wildlife: The Impact Of Elk And Deer Grazing On Farming And Ranching Lands, Ethan Gilliam, Anna Gilliam, Jody Gale

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

This article examines producers' perceptions of elk and deer grazing on their lands through a survey conducted at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) National Conference. With 140 complete responses, the study underscores the varying impacts of elk/deer grazing. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced collaboration between agricultural stakeholders and wildlife management authorities to address wildlife grazing impacts effectively. These findings also address the critical opinion of producers toward wildlife inside and outside of their private operations, as well as the interactions between producers and wildlife authorities.


Outcomes Of Virtual Diabetes Cook Along Classes, April Litchford, Jenna Dyckman, Cindy Jenkins, Andrea Schmutz, Carrie Durward Apr 2024

Outcomes Of Virtual Diabetes Cook Along Classes, April Litchford, Jenna Dyckman, Cindy Jenkins, Andrea Schmutz, Carrie Durward

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

USU Extension Diabetes Cook Along classes provide diabetes education to the public while removing barriers to participation. These classes teach relevant topics through hands-on activities to increase participants’ ability to effectively self-manage their diabetes symptoms. Evaluation results show that participants experienced high satisfaction (86%) and substantial knowledge gain (92%) after the classes.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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 …


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 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.


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 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.


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 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.