Serving Calhoun, DeKalb, Etowah, and Marshall Counties

Alabama Extension at Alabama A&M University

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University (AAMU), like many organizations, began resuming activities in person in 2022. Today, we primarily provide learning opportunities to urban and suburban audiences in person and through virtual platforms, such as Zoom, Facebook Live, and Nearpod. Visit www.aces.edu/go/Programs to explore and register for upcoming Urban Extension programs and services.

Making a Difference

In 2022, Urban Extension staff in the Anniston/Gadsden area delivered 561 hybrid training sessions and 26 special events. Program participants learned best practices in the areas of Alabama 4-H youth development, community resource development, environmental stewardship, family and child development, health, money management, and urban agriculture. In addition, 86 pounds of drugs were collected from prescription drug boxes and a drug take-back drive.

• 3.25 Full-Time Equivalents
• 4+ Counties Served
• 16,710 Urban Extension Direct Contacts
• 34,830 Urban Extension Indirect Contacts

Anniston/Gadsden Urban Center Program Impacts

Urban Extension activities resulted in the following impacts:

• 3,028 youth from 31 school districts attended Virtual STEM Day. In addition, 862 youth ages 5 to 18 were introduced to the Mobile STEM Lab and other educational activities. As a result of these hands-on learning activities, 78 percent of these youth gained STEM skills, such as problem-solving, analyzing, reasoning, and drawing conclusions.
• 1,161 participants logged 3,622,634 steps, or 1,715 miles, to lose or maintain weight and reduce the onset of chronic diseases.
• 278 (52 percent) of 534 youth improved their ability to choose healthy foods.
• 846 participants dropped off 1,575 pounds of medication at nine drug take-back events, removing drugs from homes and from entering public landfills and local water systems.
• 5,898 (80 percent) of 7373 participants increased their knowledge of urban gardening and lawn-care practices, such as water conservation, composting, and pest control.
• 2,143 older adults learned how to prevent falls at home—a leading cause of death among older adults.
• 2,162 youth and adults learned financial literacy skills, such as creating a budget, reducing credit card debt, and saving and investing money.
• 2,296 participants increased their knowledge of small business development practices, such as licensing, business structure, banking, insurance, recordkeeping, and taxes.

Alabama Extension Highlights

• In 2022, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, consisting of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, developed the 2022–2026 Strategic Plan: Extending Knowledge, Improving Lives (www.aces.edu/blog/topics/about-us/2022-2026-strategic-plan-extending-knowledge-improving-lives/). It serves as a living document to guide programmatic, organizational, and budgetary decisions for the organization.
• In addition, Alabama Extension launched a yearlong marketing campaign called Discover Alabama Extension to increase awareness and visibility of Alabama Extension programs and services offered across the state.

Urban Extension Highlights

• Alabama Extension at AAMU launched a new newsletter titled Urban Extension News that features articles, publications, timely news, a spotlight on partners, and upcoming events. Visit www.aces.edu/go/UENews to subscribe.
• Urban Extension staff secured $6.1 million in competitive and noncompetitive grant funds for 2022-2023.

State Office–Alabama A&M University

Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama A&M University

4900 Meridian St., Huntsville, AL 35810

Phone: (256) 372-5710

Visit www.aces.edu/directory for statewide office locations.

Calhoun County Extension Office 

County Administration Building

1702 Noble St., Ste. 108, Anniston, AL 36201

Phone: (256) 237-1621

David West, County Extension Coordinator

Visit www.aces.edu/go/directory for a listing of additional Alabama Extension offices and staff.

Find Us Online

• Alabama Extension Calendar: www.aces.edu/calendar
• Alabama Extension at AAMU Facebook: @AlabamaExtensionAAMU
• Instagram: @aamuextension
• X (Formerly Twitter): @AAMUExtension

More Impacts

Visit Program Success Stories at www.aces.edu/blog/category/about-us/aamu/ to find more Urban Extension impact data.