CSU

Extension System Scope

50 Original land-grant institutions established in 1862 17 Additional land-grant institutions established in 1890

– Created to give access to previously denied African-Americans 29 Native American Colleges established in 1994 (fewer remain) Land-grant institutions are located in each state, 6 Territories,

and the District of Columbia New land-grants may be established by Federal legislation (one

in 2014)

105 Universities and Colleges

The traditional land-grant mission focuses on three areas: teaching, research and extension. 

Smith-Lever Act -1914

The Smith-Lever Act provided legislation that addressed the long-standing need for rural education in agriculture and home economics. This was accomplished through the creation of Cooperative Extension.

•Established Extension’s partnerships with the USDA and Land-grant Universities.:

•To: “Diffuse . . . Useful and practical information . . . And encourage application of the same . . . Connection with such college” (established by the Federal Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890).

•Appropriations . . . Shall be administered by such college or colleges

Senate Bill No. 77 - 1979

Smith-Lever Act provisions accepted and agreed to . . .

primary responsibility for statewide programs of educational non-credit,

informal extension conducted through federal, state and county relationships . . . shall continue to lie with Colorado State

University Cooperative Extension

and

State Authorizing Legislation Reaffirmed by:State Authorizing Legislation Reaffirmed by:

CSU Extension

Extension is a division of the Colorado State University Office of Engagement offering a wide variety of programs and educational classes. We teach people how to apply science-based information in their daily lives in order to make informed choices about everything from personal finances and healthy living to community issues. 

Extension’s Mission

The Mission of Extension is "to provide information and education, and encourage the application of research-based knowledge in response to local, state, and national issues affecting individuals, youth, families, agricultural enterprises, and communities of Colorado."

Extension’s Vision

Colorado State University Extension is the front door to Colorado State University providing the extensive knowledge, research capabilities and resources of this premier land-grant university to Coloradans from all walks of life.

Extension is dedicated to serving current and future needs of Coloradans by providing educational information and programs that safeguard health, increase livelihood, and enhance well being.

Organizational Values

We recognize the equal importance of university research, education and outreach.

We build the capacity of people and communities.

We collaborate to provide education to Colorado citizens.

We are unbiased in knowledge shared.

Organizational Values (con’t)

We are accessible to all constituencies and honor diverse view points.

We are oriented to the future through effective innovation.

We encourage a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We are good stewards of public resources.

CSU Extension

62 of 64 counties 5 of 8 colleges 13 departments 29 FTE extension specialists 171.4 extension agents (state) 19.5 paraprofessionals (7.0 cty) 95.75 support staff

Changes in Extension

Bottom-Up Programming: Our County Partners are primary. Partnerships: Working through other agencies and organizations allows

our resources to be maximized. Focus on priorities: Extension cannot be all things to all people. We

need to focus where we will have the greatest impact. Use of technology: Wise use of high tech tools to expands our ability

to reach new and existing audiences. Systems approach: Today’s problems are complex and require multi-

faceted solutions. Not sole provider: There are lots of entities capable of providing

information. We must provide “value-added” information and education.

Planning & Reporting Units (PRUs)

Work to continuously identify evolving issues and encourage programming to address those evolving issues.

Facilitate communication between PRUs and other groups to encourage an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving and resource sharing.

Develop a PRU work plan based on local needs, using the logic model and including PRU objectives.

Interact with key clientele and foster an overall awareness of PRU goals/objectives, resource needs and professional development requirements.

PRUs

4-H Youth Development Energy Community Development Cropping Systems Environmental Horticulture

PRUs (con’t)

Family and Financial Stability Food Systems Livestock and Range Natural Resources Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health

2014-2015 Extension FundingTotal Funding = $27,903,125

Appropriated Budget FY 14-15

Introduction to Extension