AUBURN UNIVERSITY and ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY, Ala. — From school classrooms and college campuses to the career field, family life and retirement, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System provides educational opportunities for every stage of life.  To promote that impact, Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed April 12-18 as Alabama Extension Week in the state.

Alabama Extension Week Proclaimed

Alabama Extension Director Eve Brantley and Interim 1890 Extension Administrator Majed Dweik joined the governor for the proclamation signing.

“Thanks to Alabama Extension, people are connected with practical, research‑based solutions that make a difference in their lives,” Brantley said. “Alabama Extension Week gives us an opportunity to shine a light on the incredible work happening every day through our agents, specialists, and county teams. I hope residents will take this week to reach out, get to know their local Extension office, and discover all the ways we are here to support them.”

Every year, Alabama Extension staff coordinate more than 6,000 educational events in cities and towns across the state. That includes the work of Urban Extension, which operates out of nine urban centers in Alabama.

“Alabama Extension Week provides the Alabama Cooperative Extension System with an opportunity to highlight our programs, services, and dedicated staff serving people and communities statewide,” said Dweik, who also serves as Alabama A&M University’s vice president of research and economic development. “As a proud partner in Alabama Extension, Alabama A&M University Extension remains committed to transforming lives by sharing knowledge and helping residents and communities thrive as a result of the work we do.”

Alabama Extension also reaches more than 110,000 students through its youth leadership development program, Alabama 4-H.

From April 12-18, county directors, agents and specialists with Alabama Extension at Auburn and Alabama A&M universities will host numerous events in their communities as part of the celebration. Additionally, special Extension events will take place on the campuses of Auburn and Alabama A&M, plus agents and specialists will lead 14 online webinars.

Celebrating on Campuses

Alabama Extension was created to be the primary outreach organization for the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M and Auburn. Special events on both campuses will help ensure students and employees make a connection between Alabama Extension and their university. 

At Auburn, a career exploration opportunity is planned for Tuesday, April 14. At 2 p.m. in 203 Upchurch Hall at Auburn, Home Horticulture Agent Megan Jones will talk about what a day in the life of an Extension agent looks like.

On Wednesday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Alabama Extension at Auburn University will host Extension on the Green. Featuring 15 engaging exhibits, attendees will learn about farming, forestry, horticulture and more. Other draws include free food, trivia and valuable door prizes. Students will also learn about careers in Alabama Extension thanks to informative handouts at each table. 

At Alabama A&M, the Lawn & Landscape Demo Field Day will take place Tuesday, April 14, at the Agribition Center in Huntsville. The interactive workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes equipment demonstrations. 

Later in the week, there will be an Open House at the Dawson Building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 16. Lunch will be provided. Along with free, interactive exhibits outside, attendees are invited to walk into the building to meet Extension personnel. This is also the day and location of the Minding Your Mind: Building Empathy and Awareness Through the Dementia Experience. Part of the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute, this immersive experience helps participants explore the challenges caused by dementia and cognitive decline. The program also provides practical strategies to assist family caregivers.

A full list of Alabama A&M events, which includes registration details, is available at aces.edu/go/ExtensionWeekontheHill. 

Webinar Series

The Alabama Extension Week Webinar Series includes 14 webinars across five days. Topics cover agriculture; forestry and natural resources; home and garden; business and finance; and health and family.  

While all webinars are free, registration is required. Find the full list of webinars at aces.edu/go/ExtensionWeekWebinars. 

Interacting with Alabama Extension

During Alabama Extension Week and beyond, there are six simple ways to connect with the organization. They include the following:

• Visit a county office. Find contact info at aces.edu/go/directory.
• Attend an Extension program. Find a list at aces.edu/events.
• Read publications and news at aces.edu.
• Follow @AlabamaExtension on Facebook and Instagram. Also, follow @AlabamaExtensionAAMU on Facebook and @aamuextension on Instagram.
• Watch educational videos on Extension’s YouTube channel at aces.edu/go/YouTube.
• Listen to podcasts. Find a full selection at aces.edu/go/podcasts.