Dynamic Discussions Extension Transformation: preparing for the next 100 years April 27th, 2023 2 PM - 3 PM ET Register HERE We would like to invite you to join us next week for a Dynamic Discussion session focused on the demographic trends in the United States and the impact it has on Extension's approach to programming and staffing. Changes in population size and make-up, along with economic and political uncertainties, have presented a unique opportunity for Extension to transform its...

A recent infographic released by the Council of Post-Secondary Education In Kentucky indicates that the majority of Generation Z feels pressured to pursue a traditional four-year degree and would rather explore other educational options that allow them to learn skills over a lifetime rather than all at once. For those staff and faculty in traditional higher education, this begs the question as to the role that these individuals should have in supporting and developing these alternatives. For...

Microcredentials, stackable credentials, certification, and badging are just a few of the names for alternative training and credits that focus on providing needed skills to students and workers. As our system continues to evolve the understanding of the importance of these types of programs in both the workforce and academic sectors, there is an opportunity for the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) to leverage their connections with communities and the Land-Grant University System. With a...

A recent news article revealed that only a handful of states have issued guidance for educators on the subject of AI in K-12 education. Despite this, there’s a swift transition towards supporting youth education that focuses on the skills and ethics required to utilize generative AI tools in professional settings. The Cooperative Extension Service system, a significant advocate for workforce development opportunities for both youth and adults, urgently needs to create high-quality...

One individual is needed to fill an Urban Agriculture and Food Systems Coordinator role across the LGU system with the Urban Ag and Food Systems PAT and AgriProspects. As Urban programs are active across the country, the incumbent will serve as a lead with assistance in program execution from other AgriProspects coordinators, specifically those where CES regions overlap. This critical position will help build and engage our national network of partners working to provide access to skills...

In Missouri, we have seen similar issues in some data analysis we've done on behalf of our Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. For people responding to the survey from within the educational system, turnover was one of the biggest impediments to growing their CTE programs and building student awareness and interest in those programs.

The AgriProspects Workforce Development Network, a collaborative effort of the Extension Foundation (EXF), the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) Economic & Workforce Development Program Action Team (Workforce PAT) and USDA-NIFA, aims to bolster the Extension system’s capacity to meet the evolving workforce demands within the food and agriculture sector. To further its mission, AgriProspects is seeking proposals for Round 1 of its Mini-grant Program. Round 1...