Extension is the Wisconsin Idea in action!

UW–Madison Extension’s outreach creates key connection points for families, farms, communities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, government, and more. We support local volunteers and leaders to take action and serve as role models in their communities, and we make sure Wisconsinites have the latest research, best practices, and educational opportunities.

Extension reaches more than 575,000 direct participants in our programming every year, including:

120,000

contacts with agricultural producers and farm technicians

15,000

local and Tribal government officials and staff

18,500

nonprofit workers and support agency advocates

We also partner with more than 2,000 community organizations and business, empower 26,000 youth 4-H members who contribute over 140,000 hours of volunteer time, and support 10,500 volunteers in their work equaling 420,000 hours of service

18,000

business professionals and entrepreneurs

148,000

young people

42,000

seniors

Impact Stories

Explore the impact Extension has had across Wisconsin, from fostering agricultural advancements and preserving natural resources, to empowering youth, driving community development, and supporting people across all stages of their lives.

Browse More Stories

Browse More Stories

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Explore Extension

Extension’s mission is to connect people with the University of Wisconsin. We teach, learn, lead and serve, transforming lives and communities.

Explore Extension

Extension’s mission is to connect people with the University of Wisconsin. We teach, learn, lead and serve, transforming lives and communities.

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