From Classroom to Community: Training the Next Generation of Extension Professionals
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
8-13-2025 11:00 AM
Description
In response to student interest in Extension careers, the Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences (ADVS) at Utah State University developed a course that immerses undergraduates in authentic Extension experiences. The course was designed to serve dual purposes: 1) provide students with hands-on, real-world opportunities in Extension education and 2) allow Extension faculty with teaching appointments to integrate both roles into a single, impactful activity.
Students enrolled in the course were each assigned a mentor from among campus-based Extension specialists and county Extension faculty with expertise in animal agriculture. They collaborated on developing mini-Extension programs, choosing topics aligned with agricultural animal needs and current departmental focus areas. Program components included live animal demonstrations, educational posters, handouts, and interactive, hands-on activities.
The culminating event was held at the USU Bastian Agricultural Center in South Jordan, Utah, where USU students delivered their programs to 8th grade students from the Jordan School District. This event featured timed rotations through learning stations, allowing each group of middle school students to engage with multiple topics and presenters.
This course not only provided a valuable experiential learning opportunity for USU students but also functioned as a “spark” event for youth, encouraging interest in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and related fields. The peer-mentorship dynamic created by the university students’ involvement enhanced the learning environment and fostered meaningful connections. This model demonstrates a scalable and mutually beneficial approach to Extension education that prepares the next generation of professionals while strengthening youth outreach.
From Classroom to Community: Training the Next Generation of Extension Professionals
Logan, UT
In response to student interest in Extension careers, the Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences (ADVS) at Utah State University developed a course that immerses undergraduates in authentic Extension experiences. The course was designed to serve dual purposes: 1) provide students with hands-on, real-world opportunities in Extension education and 2) allow Extension faculty with teaching appointments to integrate both roles into a single, impactful activity.
Students enrolled in the course were each assigned a mentor from among campus-based Extension specialists and county Extension faculty with expertise in animal agriculture. They collaborated on developing mini-Extension programs, choosing topics aligned with agricultural animal needs and current departmental focus areas. Program components included live animal demonstrations, educational posters, handouts, and interactive, hands-on activities.
The culminating event was held at the USU Bastian Agricultural Center in South Jordan, Utah, where USU students delivered their programs to 8th grade students from the Jordan School District. This event featured timed rotations through learning stations, allowing each group of middle school students to engage with multiple topics and presenters.
This course not only provided a valuable experiential learning opportunity for USU students but also functioned as a “spark” event for youth, encouraging interest in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and related fields. The peer-mentorship dynamic created by the university students’ involvement enhanced the learning environment and fostered meaningful connections. This model demonstrates a scalable and mutually beneficial approach to Extension education that prepares the next generation of professionals while strengthening youth outreach.