About Us
The Urban Difference is an annual report of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University.
From the Hill to the Community
From the President
Dr. Daniel K. Wims, President, Alabama A&M University
I am pleased to recognize the outstanding work of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama Extension), which continues to serve as the primary outreach arm of Alabama A&M University (AAMU). Through its unwavering commitment to service, Alabama Extension extends the University’s land-grant mission to individuals, families, and communities across our state—from Huntsville to Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
Last year, Alabama Extension delivered impactful programming in 63 of Alabama’s 67 counties, responding where needs were greatest and where communities requested assistance. This remarkable reach reflects not only their dedication but also the relevance, quality, and trustworthiness of the programs they provide. In return, I extend my sincere appreciation to the staff and partners of Alabama Extension for their steadfast commitment to improving lives across Alabama. Their statewide efforts exemplify Alabama A&M University’s enduring commitment to service, education, and excellence.
From the 1890 Administrator
Dr. Majed Dweik, AAMU Vice President for Research & Economic Development & Interim 1890 Extension Administrator
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama Extension) remains the cornerstone of Alabama A&M University’s land-grant mission, serving as the vital bridge between the University and the people and communities of Alabama.
Despite a leaner workforce, we successfully delivered educational programs in 63 of Alabama’s 67 counties. This broad reach reflects the dedication, innovation, and resilience of our Extension staff, as well as the trust that state residents place in our programs. For these reasons and more, I am deeply appreciative of the exceptional work that is performed daily. Alongside our partners, Alabama Extension continues to strengthen agricultural systems, advance economic opportunities, improve health and well-being, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance the quality of life for people throughout Alabama.
Operating out of nine urban centers across Alabama, Alabama Extension at AAMU works within a network of experts, educators, and volunteers to impact all 67 Alabama counties. This report includes our latest impacts from reporting year 2025. Alabama Extension reports on the previous year’s efforts and implements programming in the current year while planning for the following year.
Today, Alabama Extension at AAMU offers programming activities in 4-H youth development; animal science and forages (goat and sheep management); forestry, wildlife, and natural resource conservation; human health, diet, and nutrition; integrated pest management; family and child development, including older adults; workforce development and personal money management; community resource development, such as entrepreneurship; and home and community lawn and garden care.
Impact Numbers
January-December 2025
- Direct & indirect programming contacts: 264,528
- Programming Activities: 1,554
- Urban Extension website views: 153,244
- Facebook User Reach: 114,060
- Extension Website Views: 4.5 million
- Digital Media Contacts: 396 million
External Funding Comparison
- FY 2023/24: $10.9 million
- FY 2024/25: $8.3 million
- FY 2025/26: $9.8 million
Alabama Extension Urban Centers
- Calhoun County – Anniston
- Houston County – Dothan
- Jefferson County – Birmingham
- Lauderdale County – Florence
- Madison County – Huntsville
- Mobile County – Mobile
- Morgan County – Decatur
- Montgomery County – Montgomery
- Tuscaloosa County – Tuscaloosa
Urban Extension In-Person Service Areas
2025 Year in Review
150th & 135th Anniversary Celebrations
In 2025, Alabama A&M University celebrated its 150th Anniversary—Rich Heritage, Bold Future. AAMU concluded the sesquicentennial year-long celebration with a formal closing ceremony on The Hill, highlighted by the lighting of the William Hooper Councill Eternal Flame Memorial and the public unveiling of commissioned art by acclaimed artist Charles Bibbs. Dr. William Hooper Councill, a former slave, founded AAMU in 1875 and served as its first president.
In addition, the 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890 celebrated the legislation that established 19 historically Black land-grant universities, known as the “19-Strong”. Commemorative events occurred on September 9-10, with an HBCU-led Cyber & AI Agriculture competition at the University of the District of Columbia, Capitol Hill briefings, and a rooftop reception at the National 4-H Council Headquarters in Washington, D.C. AAMU’s PlayCyber AI student team 25 Hackstreet won the competition!
The People’s Patch Madison County Community Farm
In 2024, AAMU and the Madison County Commission agreed to establish a farm to address food insecurity while strengthening research and local food systems in Madison County. Madison County residents are free to pick fresh produce as it becomes available.
This year, 300 fruit trees were planted as part of an Alabama Extension at AAMU initiative, the Urban. Rooted. Resilient. Urban and Community Forestry Expansion project, award #25-DG-11083150-541, from the USDA Forest Service. Tree varieties included apple, plum, jujube, peach, blackberry, raspberry, and elderberry. In addition, the farm grew an estimated 342,259 pounds of produce, from sweet corn to watermelon. Note: Based on square footage planted and yield estimate charts
2025 Spring Community Garden Expo
Approximately 116 people attended the 2025 Spring Community Garden Expo, which educated participants on how to establish a community garden. It also featured tree giveaways, vendor exhibits, and ended with a tour of The People’s Patch Madison County Community Farm.
Alabama Extension Week, October 5-11, 2025
Alabama Extension Week was held on October 5-11. The week was kicked off by the signing of a proclamation by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, followed by week-long Extension activities across the state.
North Alabama Ag Expo
The Second North Alabama Ag Expo was held on Saturday, November 1, at AAMU’s Agribition Center. Approximately 800 people attended the event, which featured some of the best North Alabama has to offer.
Platinum Sponsors: Alabama Farmers Federation, Country Financial, Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, and Madison County Commissioner, District 6
Silver Sponsors: Bartley Bridge, Woody Anderson Ford
Bronze Sponsors: Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Deputy Commissioner Rick Pate, Allstate Insurance-The Hodge Group, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, and Rebelution Healthcare
SAI Conference
The theme of the 2025 Successful Aging Initiative Conference was Bloom! Don’t Wither – Aging Means Living, which celebrated the vitality, beauty, and growth that come with aging. Approximately 453 participants attended the conference, with 91 percent of surveyed attendees indicating they would use the knowledge they gained from the event to address everyday issues and concerns. In 2026, Alabama Extension and the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute will observe the event’s 25th anniversary in Madison County.
Alabama Goat & Sheep Summit
The 2025 Alabama Goat and Sheep Summit was held on November 15, 2025, at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) and The People’s Patch Madison County Farm in Huntsville, Alabama. The free, day-long event featured hands-on demonstrations, expert-led lectures, and youth STEM activities focused on sustainable small ruminant production. The Summit also featured speakers from Auburn University, Langston University, South Carolina State, and the University of Tennessee.
Mobile STEM Lab
In 2025, the Mobile STEM Lab reached more than 3,655 youth in 21 Alabama counties. Students engaged in a variety of hands-on, inquiry-based STEM experiences designed to increase engagement, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. These activities are also designed to foster greater interest in STEM education and future employment opportunities.
More Impacts
Visit Program Success Stories for more program impacts from Alabama Extension at AAMU.