Message from the director

This 1999 Annual Report highlights some of the educational program partnerships of Colorado State University Extension. As an integral part of Colorado State University, Extension is committed to implementing the University's land-grant mission, which is to offer accessible higher education, to conduct research, and to provide public service to citizens of the state. Extension's role and connection within the higher education system provides the public with access to knowledge that can improve their daily lives. Extension faculty facilitate outreach partnerships across the institution to respond to local needs, assist in the translation and application of research, make connections between communities and resources, and deliver programs to support lifelong learning and problem-solving at the community level.

Extension engages a responsive network of citizens, scientists and educators who can address individual and community issues and problems through research-based knowledge. This powerful partnership makes a connection between the intellectual knowledge of the University and the people of Colorado.

In a growing state, there are increasing citizen needs for information and educational programs that address critical social, economic and environmental issues. The growing need to address agricultural and natural resource issues, Consumer and family problems, youth development challenges, and community concerns represents a continuing challenge for Extension. As part of this balancing act, Extension has focused its limited resources on seven statewide priority programs:

• Engaging Communities in Transition
• Enhancing Families and Communities
• Improving Nutrition, Food Safety and Health
• Managing Small Acreages
• Partnering for Green Colorado
• Strengthening Youth Development
• Sustaining Agriculture and the Environment

In this report, we present examples of Extension's important connection to our customers, cooperators and collaborators throughout the state. Our partnerships with local advisory committees and councils is also vitally important to Extension's success and accomplishment of its mission. The Colorado Extension Advisory Council composed of 18 Coloradans and led by Chair Tom Watley, Littleton, provides invaluable input and advice to Extension's dynamic program plans and educational direction. Also, validation of stakeholder input is an important requirement of Extension's federal partner.

We are especially proud of the connections through our 4-H Youth Development Program that impacted more than 144,000 Colorado youth last year. Most of this increase--from 98,560 in 1997 and 130,591 in 1998–results from our K-12 partnerships which involve youth in school enrichment and after-school experiences. The 4-H Club Program has experienced growth as well, and continues to be an important foundation for 4-H youth development efforts in Colorado.

The final implementation steps of Extension 2000, an effort that focused Extension toward the new century, was a unique success completed this past year. Its implementation was based on input from advisory committee members, faculty, Consumers and other stakeholders. An integral part of CE2000 was the revision of Extension's Strategic Plan for Diversity and the development of a Diversity Action Plan. Implementation of these efforts will assure that Extension programs address the diversity and variety of Colorado issues and audiences.

In addition to accomplishments on its seven program plans, Extension, in collaboration with the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station, successfully launched research and educational programs on high priority water and farm/ranch management issues. Future joint efforts will address issues of community growth, land use and related public concerns–critical issues as Colorado continues as the fifth fastest growing state in the nation.

As Extension staff continue their work representing the land-grant university at the local level, they face increased demands for community education. Extension information is seen as a source people can trust. Stakeholders and decision makers often mention that our research/science base is critical to balanced decision-making and problem solving.

Please contact me if you have questions or comments about Extension educational programs or the information we provide. We look forward in this new century to continuing our powerful partnership with the citizens of Colorado.

For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Extension office.

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