Extension Corner
“Extension Corner? Extension of what?” you may ask. Well, for starters, we’re an extension of ‘Pete’s Corner’ featuring retired extension educator, Jim Peterson. We’re the staff he left behind…five of us…ready, willing and able to continue serving you.
We’re also an extension of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. You may know us by different names: ‘extension agent’, Cooperative Extension, Washington County Extension…. We’re still the same organization that was authorized in 1914 by the Smith-Lever Act to insure that information from universities gets to all citizens, even those who can’t or don’t go to university’s campus. The extension office first opened here in 1918. We’ve had an ongoing presence in Washington County since 1921!
We’re an extension of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s informal adult education program offering info on so many topics, you can’t count them all: agriculture, gardening, conservation, parenting, health and nutrition, personal financial management, community and economic development… While our staff in Washington County can’t possibly provide expertise in all these areas, our statewide network of educators can. And, we now have a nationwide web-based system, the ‘eXtension’ initiative, which makes the latest information from across the country available to you online 24/7.
We’re also an extension of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s youth education program which takes several different forms:
The traditional 4-H program engages 8-18 years olds in hands-on activities which teach life skills. Our Clover Kids program reaches five to seven year olds, as well. While it’s true that kids can still learn how to care for an animal (everything from cattle and hogs to cats, rats and dogs) and fix a family meal, we’re more than just cows and cookies. For instance, our new SET (science, engineering and technology) curriculum teaches both rural and urban youth skills to make them competitive in the 21st century.
The 4-H school enrichment program serves as a resource for area teachers. Our classes promoting character building, nutrition and health and life sciences are the most popular. Last year we reached 1,679 youngsters through classroom presentations.
Involvement in youth development initiatives also allows us to support the development of a healthy environment for area youngsters. UNL Extension has been a long-time member of the Youth Community Action Team and the Building Blocks Boutique. We recently also joined the new LiveWise 40 coalition.
It’s been said that the extension office is ‘your front door to the University’ and our programs have been called ‘your first class at the University’. On the other hand, we pride ourselves on being a grassroots organization which works to address issues that are of concern to our constituents. Through ‘Extension Corner’, we pledge to continue bringing you the latest info on topics of interest you. If you have questions you’d like to see us address, please call 426-9455 or e-mail washington-county@unl.edu.
