ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY, Ala. — In an era where economic self-sufficiency is paramount, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Community Resource Development (CRD) team at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) has emerged as a trailblazer in entrepreneurship education. They are the first Cooperative Extension team in the nation to become certified entrepreneurship educators through the Council on Adult Basic Education (COABE), a national organization dedicated to advancing adult education and lifelong learning. This achievement not only sets a precedent for other Extension teams but also reinforces the importance of entrepreneurship in community development.

Terence Norwood, an Alabama Extension community and economic development specialist, and Urban Regional Extension Agents Juani Macias-Christian and Jon Jacobson completed all certification requirements. Marisa Hawkins, the CRD team coordinator at AAMU, will complete the certification this spring.

“Our team is experienced in community and individual-level entrepreneurship education,” Norwood said. “This certification helped our team grow professionally but also strongly aligns with our approach to meeting the needs of individuals, communities and Alabama’s economy.”

This certification is through COABE’s Online Entrepreneurship Institute. The institute aims to equip educators with the skills necessary to teach entrepreneurship effectively, ensuring learners are prepared to navigate the complexities of starting and running a business.

Impactful Approach

Terence Norwood (top left), Juani Macias-Christian (top right), Jon Jacobson (bottom left) and Marisa Hawkins (bottom right).

The Alabama Extension at AAMU CRD team is pivotal in equipping communities with the tools and knowledge necessary for economic growth and sustainability. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families by fostering entrepreneurship, workforce and leadership development. Through a multifaceted approach, the team offers educational programs, workshops and resources that empower people in Alabama communities. From urban streets to country roads, the team helps people realize their entrepreneurial aspirations. The most significant impacts are often seen in traditionally underserved and minority communities.

“It is important that the CRD team members at AAMU are credentialed and certified in their disciplines,” said Jennifer Wells-Marshall, Extension associate director at AAMU. “I am happy to see our CRD team not only achieve that goal but also set the standard for Extension throughout the nation.”

The CRD team sought the COABE certification because they recognized the pressing need for more effective entrepreneurship education. Attaining the certification signifies a commitment to high-quality educational practices and positions the team as leaders in the field. As certified entrepreneurship educators, the team is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and impactful training to diverse populations.

“The COABE Online Entrepreneurial Institute program was extremely beneficial to how I research, develop and implement my entrepreneurial classes,” Jacobson said. “The amount of research materials, videos and practice assignments was extraordinary. I have used many of these resources to implement my upcoming programs.”

Innovation and Resilience

This certification is a milestone for the team and a significant advancement in adult education and community development in the state. By prioritizing entrepreneurship education, the CRD team fosters a culture of innovation and resilience within Alabama and beyond. Through these programs, individuals gain valuable skills that empower them to start businesses, create jobs, and contribute to local economies. This ripple effect enhances community well-being and promotes economic sustainability, leading to stronger and more vibrant communities.

“As the newest CRD team member, I have learned a great deal from my coworkers, but the institute has helped me contribute to designing and delivering our programs,” Hawkins said. “I look forward to completing the program.”

The collaboration between COABE and the CRD team is a model for other Extension teams nationwide. The team hopes to inspire others to pursue similar certifications and initiatives to create a nationwide network of informed and skilled entrepreneurship Extension educators by getting this certification. Macias-Christian has more than 22 years of experience in Extension and provides bilingual entrepreneurship education and ServSafe.

“This program allowed me to transform an idea into a business plan that I can use when teaching courses,” Macias-Christian said. “We spend a lot of time helping others with their ideas. Starting from scratch and seeing the finished project was a good experience.”

Moving Forward

As the team continues to lead the charge in entrepreneurship education, it lays the groundwork for a brighter future for individuals and communities. It seeks to remain at the forefront of entrepreneurship education. For information on the CRD team’s programs, visit the Community Resource Development web page at www.aces.edu. Or contact Terence Norwood at (256) 372-5023.