Serving Morgan and Lawrence Counties

Alabama Extension at Alabama A&M University

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University (AAMU), like many organizations, began resuming in-person activities for 2022. Today, we 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 Decatur area delivered 483 hybrid training sessions and 19 special events. In addition, 305 pounds of drugs were collected from a prescription drop box and a drug take-back drive. Program participants learned best practices in the areas of Alabama 4-H youth development, environmental stewardship, urban agriculture, and health.

• 2.5 Full-Time Equivalents
• 2+ Counties Served
• 11,141 Urban Extension Direct Contacts
• 50,754 Urban Extension Indirect Contacts

Decatur 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) among 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.

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.

Morgan County Extension Office 

3120 Highway 36 W., Ste. B, Hartselle, AL 35640

Phone: (256) 773-2549

Brett Crow, 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.