Extension Service to change way it delivers programs
Posted 5/22/03

The University of Minnesota Extension Service has announced changes responding to declining state, county and federal budgets. Those changes enable Extension to continue to deliver quality programs that Minnesotans count on, says Dr. Charles Casey, Extension dean and director.

The new model calls for a change in the delivery and funding system that allows more choice and clarity for citizens and funders, Casey says. In the new plan, Extension will provide statewide programming through educators located in regional Extension centers that are funded by state and federal dollars. Programs and services delivered from regional centers will address issues critical to Minnesotans.

Counties and other local agencies, including non-profits, will have the choice of contracting with Extension to augment regional programs with local programs, services and positions. This could also include locally funded satellite offices.

"These changes will bring sharper focus to our core mission and help to ensure that we continue to offer effective, relevant programs to all counties at a level that the state, the counties, the university and the people of Minnesota can afford," Casey says.

With these changes, Extension remains committed to providing 4-H youth development opportunities to all Minnesota youth. "Under the new regional center delivery model, 4-H will be available statewide, however, it cannot be adequately funded on state and federal dollars alone," Casey says. "Historically, counties have invested heavily in Extension 4-H and we are confident that will continue under this model in order to maintain 4-H as a quality program."

Extension's funding comes from three main sources, the State of Minnesota -- through the University, the state's 87 counties and the federal government. Given the current federal, state and county budget realities, Extension's three main funders have reduced or expect to reduce their investment in Extension.

"Our county partners have told us that if they are going to meet their budget constraints and be able to provide some Extension programs for their counties, they need the flexibility to choose which Extension programs, services and positions they pay for," Casey says.

Extension introduced changes nearly a year and a half ago that have resulted in more focus, greater expertise and more access to teams of regional educators. Because of those changes, Extension is in a better position to respond to the current budget realities.

"As many state leaders have said over the past months, none of us can afford to keep doing business as usual," says Casey. "This plan allows Extension to continue to provide quality programs to all Minnesotans while providing greater choices to our funders."

Extension currently has offices in every county of the state, with specialized educators who deliver programs in several counties. Each year, more than 800,000 Minnesotans benefit from Extension programs, including 4-H youth development, agriculture production education, Master Gardeners, nutrition education programs and leadership development training.