Penn State Extension

About

Penn State Extension is a community-based educational resource. We have educators in many Ag-related fields. Visit extension.psu.edu for more information.

Story

All universities engage in research and teaching, but the nation’s more than 100 landgrant colleges and universities have a third critical mission -extension. “Extension” means “reaching out,” and, along with teaching and research, land-grant institutions such as Penn State “extend” their resources, solving public needs with college or university resources through non-formal, non-credit programs. These programs are administered through county and regional extension offices, which bring land-grant expertise to the most local of levels. Penn State Cooperative Extension’s mission is to enhance quality of life by providing informal outreach educational opportunities to individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout the Commonwealth. We teach people how to solve problems, do something better, live healthier, manage resources wisely, and create a sustainable future. We are dedicated to giving you the means to grow, to achieve, to compete, to go farther, and to do more. Contact us and see what Extension can do for you!

Mission

“Penn State Cooperative Extension aspires to be the most trusted agent of change in Pennsylvania communities, responding rapidly with research-based solutions to challenges and opportunities.”

The above vision is accomplished by bringing resources from Penn State to Franklin County residents through hands-on sessions, research trials, newsletters, news columns, farm visits, websites, telephone calls, and publications. We focus in improving agricultural production, building leadership skills, encouraging healthy lifestyles, providing opportunities for youth, sharing research-based information, and supporting the community’s needs.