Our Values

• SOCIETY - Our foundational principle is to enhance the societal impact of the Land Grant University System. 

• CONNECTIVITY - Our priority is to facilitate communication, collaboration, networking, and partnerships among our member Associations. 

• OPPORTUNITY - Our purpose is to ensure accessibility and availability of Extension professional development opportunities and leadership capacity building. 

Our Conferences

Extension Leadership Conference (ELC)

Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD)

The aim of ELC is to build leadership capacity, and provide professional development and networking opportunities for state officers and members of the Extension Associations:

·        ANREP

·        ESP

·        NACAA

·        NACDEP

·        NAE4-HYDP

·        NAEPSDP, and

·        NEAFCS.

The purpose of the PILD Conference is to:

·        provide professional development to broaden understanding of public policy issues impacting Extension and Extension clientele,

·        enhance advocacy and public policy education skills,

·        share how changing political environments affect support for Extension,

·        build support for Extension through consistent and targeted communication with decision makers,

·        strengthen partnerships and explore new linkages with local, state, and federal agencies, and

·        encourage visits with federal legislators and decision-makers.

Excellence in Extension Engagement Award

This Excellence in Extension Engagement Award recognizes high-quality, evidence-based Extension work that has documented outstanding outcomes and impacts with clientele and strengthens the Extension profession. The selection committee considers individual or team applicants that documents an engagement program that is local needs-driven, grounded in scholarly practice, has adequate program evaluation, adoption beyond the initial audience, strengthens professionals within or across states, and shows innovation that brings something new to Extension professionals. First place receives: a $750 award, must present a presentation at ELC, and ELC registration is waived. Honorable mention receives: a $250 award and ELC registration is waived. 

Application Guidelines are Linked Here. Applications are due May 31 and must  include the following. 

 Letter of application by the individual or nominator

 Two letters of support from a client, peer, supervisor, or director

 The application topic needs to have some currency, but is not limited to any recent timeframe and may have started many years in the past with recently documented successes, impacts, or culmination of the effort.

AWARD WINNERS

2025 Winner: Dr. Jennifer Aranda, Isabel Huot-Link, Ellen Wolter, Tobias Spanier, Tim Young Chol Choi, Dr. Scott Chazdon, and Victoria McWane-Creek, University of Minnesota,

The Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Program

2025 Honorable Mention: Steve Ball, Kelsey Weitzel, Kristin Miller, Marta Novaes Oliveira, University of Missouri, Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (SSSH) Program

2024 Winner: Paul Hill, Ph.D., Utah State University, The Remote Online Initiative

2024 Honorable Mention: Jason de Koff, Ph.D., Tennessee State University, Bioenergy and Drone Technology

Nominations of past award winners:

2025, Paul Hill, The Remote Online Initiative

Please click here for a sample submission. 

2025 Winner: Dr. Jennifer Aranda, Isabel Huot-Link, Ellen Wolter, Tobias Spanier, Tim Young Chol Choi, Dr. Scott Chazdon, and Victoria McWane-Creek, University of Minnesota,

The Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Program

Please click here for a sample submission.

PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR SHARED EXPERIENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN EXTENSION

Why I love Extension

Extension Entrepreneurship

Urban Outreach Shortened