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1,644

Participants in our Solid Ground program for new and beginning farmers

26,875

Low-income families served through community nutrition and empowerment programs

$4.4 M

The value of volunteer service across all Extension programs to Connecticut.

8,859

Hours of annual instruction by Extension specialists across all programs

Extension

UConn CAHNR Extension has more than 100 years' experience strengthening communities in Connecticut and beyond. Our educators are ready to work together with your community.

We are part of the nationwide Cooperative Extension System that connects the public with the research and resources of land-grant universities. At UConn, our Extension network is comprised of faculty in the College of  Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources with Extension appointments and faculty and staff in the Department of Extension.

The Department of Extension works collaboratively with the Extension educators from other departments in CAHNR to deliver programs and research statewide. Extension educators within the Department of Extension are based in nine locations statewide, including the Avery Point Campus. The administrative offices with Bonnie Burr, the department head, are at the Storrs campus.

Strategic Initiatives

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Agriculture & Food

Extension programs advance innovative and sustainable agricultural methods to help expand production of a safe and abundant local food supply. We work with farmers from urban and rural areas, on land and sea. 

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Enhancing Health

We use interdisciplinary approaches to enhance health and well-being locally, nationally, and globally. Our work strives to prevent disease in humans, animals, and the environment. 

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Dismantling Structural Racism

We are focused on identifying and dismantling structural racism and fostering environments that advance racial equity, inclusion, and belonging by advocating for antiracist policies, practices, and norms. 

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Sustainable Landscapes

We are developing environmentally aware citizens that participate in sustainable, healthy lifestyles, and improving our landscapes statewide in collaboration with partners, stakeholders, and community members.

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Climate Resilience
& Adaptation

We engage and educate citizens in climate adaptation. Extension programs promote resilient and well-adapted coastal Connecticut communities and economies. 

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Why Extension

UConn Extension is on a collaborative journey. We work together with families, students, communities, businesses, farmers, and statewide partners. We educate. We bring together diverse groups to help solve problems. Join us.

The partnership with UConn Extension has made the tribe stronger. It's refocused our attention towards farming and healthier eating ... We've been able to work with them to ensure that some of our traditional protocols and farming techniques have been cornerstone to this project."

Daniel Menihan, Jr., Tribal Councilor, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Academic Department Outreach