AUBURN UNIVERSITY and ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has proclaimed September 15-21, 2024 Alabama Extension Week. During this annual recognition week, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System encourages people all over the state to engage with Extension by contacting a local Extension agent or visiting a county Extension office.

Who is Alabama Extension?

Alabama Extension is a partnership between Auburn University and Alabama A&M University. The System takes research-based recommendations and practical knowledge to stakeholders in all corners of the state. Through a network of county offices and regional centers, Alabama Extension makes meaningful impacts in the lives of Alabamians in each of the state’s 67 counties. When visiting an Extension office, expect to meet friendly faces and knowledgeable staff that stand ready to help answer your questions on a wide range of topics, from parenting and finances to natural resource conservation and food safety.

Statewide Collaboration

Alabama Extension Director Mike Phillips and 1890 Administrator Majed Dweik have worked to ensure that each university has opportunities to interact with Alabama Extension on their campus as the Discover Alabama Extension promotional campaign continues. Alabama Extension began as a service for rural Alabama residents making decisions on farms and in outlying areas of the state. In recent years, Alabama Extension’s mission has evolved to encompass a broader scope and cater to the evolving needs of Alabama’s diverse communities, including urban and suburban communities. Today, Extension continues its land-grant mission by providing science-based recommendations from the front yard to the farm and everywhere in between.

The Cooperative Extension System was formally created through the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914. Phillips said there were many early efforts where improved agricultural practices were taught through Extension networks by leaders from diverse backgrounds through on-farm demonstrations.

“In Alabama, many of these practices were extended to youth through clubs,” Phillips said. “Many of the youth engaged in these clubs became prominent agricultural leaders. While youth clubs have evolved, youth engagement through 4-H in Alabama remains a huge, successful program that engages well over 100,000 youths annually.”

Alabama Extension has an extensive network of educators who work tirelessly as intermediaries between research institutions and the people who can benefit most from their work — ensuring that Extension’s resources are accessible to everyone, from urban centers to rural areas.

Dweik said Extension educators are fortunate to work with people from all walks of life.

“Every day we have a chance to work with partners and share information that not only improves the lives of children, teens and adults but also their communities,” Dweik said. “But don’t take our word for it. Watch the videos, read the stories and hear what the people have to say about Extension — your free county resource.”

Extension in Action

Phillips said Alabama Extension professionals are proud of their presence in every county to address issues that impact many lives in many ways.

“Much of our success hinges on relationships with a vast network of state and federal agencies, industry partners and other groups to deliver trusted, science-based information,” Phillips said. “We are grateful for the continued opportunity to serve Alabama residents.”

During Alabama Extension Week 2024, residents are encouraged to reach out to local offices and meet the people who are working each day to make their county a better place. Extension still exists to serve individuals who love the land and make their living as stewards of the state’s natural resources. However, through a continued commitment to rural health care access and strong community partnerships, Extension is tackling the health care access barrier head-on.

Phillips said an organization is only as good as the people who are part of it — and Alabama Extension is full of individuals who are working to make life better for those around them.

Discover Alabama Extension

Supporting needs in communities is just one of the many ways Alabama Extension delivers solutions for life’s everyday challenges. Extension educators are strong community partners, bringing practical ways to support homes, farms, people and communities.

Dweik encourages Alabama residents to drop by a county office or give them a call and discover Alabama Extension for themselves. Visit the Alabama Extension and Alabama Extension at Alabama A&M Facebook pages for more details related to events and programming. There is more to discover at www.aces.edu/discover.