With an original base in agricultural programs, Extension outreach programs have been helping Alabamians for almost 90 years. In 1862 and 1890 Congress passed laws granting land to each state for "agricultural and mechanical" institutions of higher learning. The land-grant mission in teaching outside the classroom gave rise in 1914 to the National Extension Service, whose mission was to "take the university to the people."

"The Alabama Cooperative Extension System takes seriously its mission of making the latest in university-based research available to the people. Our professionals are committed to the people of this state and to the effective and efficient use of our resources," said Dr. Gaines Smith, interim director.

"I believe one crucial element in Extension is the focus on the individual. Even as we adapt new technologies expand our program efforts, our organization has never lost sight of the importance of helping individuals make positive changes on the farm, in the work place, at home and in the community," Smith said.

Alabama is the first state to combine the extension services at its land-grant universities. In 1995, the two land-grant extension programs were joined to form one Extension System.

Today, ACES is made up of the original Extension programs of the state's two land-grant universities -- Alabama A&M and Auburn universities -- with Tuskegee University cooperating. ACES serves Alabama through six program areas: agriculture, forestry and natural resources, urban affairs and new nontraditional programs, family and individual well-being, community and economic development, and 4-H and youth development.

The new Extension communication plan will utilize media relations, public service announcements, a targeted speaker's bureau and a coordinated state and local opinion leader contact program. A branding program to publicize the new theme will parallel the communication effort.

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