We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities.
Wisconsin Rapids Water tower and treeline

Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference: Hands-on Learning for Spurring Economic Development

UW-Madison Extension’s Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference, a hands-on, immersive conference aimed at strengthening rural Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, will be held June 16-18 in Wisconsin Rapids. Unlike other entrepreneurial conferences, CEC focuses on what works in small towns and addresses the distinct challenges and opportunities that these communities face in bolstering entrepreneurship. Designed for economic […]

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REV logo

Baldwin, Hurley, Medary, and White Lake join Extension program to ‘REV’ up small town economies

Four rural Wisconsin communities are joining the second cohort of Wisconsin Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV), an entrepreneurial development program designed to advance small town economies through a targeted business approach.  Baldwin-Woodville, Hurley, Medary, and White Lake-Wolf River were selected as part of a program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Extension of Division. REV is a […]

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Extension student named UW-Madison Student Employee of the Year

Each year, the University of Wisconsin-Madison recognizes the outstanding contributions of its student employees through the Student Employee of the Year award. With nearly 10,000 students working in thousands of roles across campus, this honor highlights the invaluable work completed by students each day, impacting the entire campus community. This year, we are proud to […]

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Group of AmeriCorps members hold sign that says "Serving Here"

AmeriCorps and Extension: Expanding access to 4-H youth development

After his graduation from UW-Milwaukee, Jack wanted to find a way to give back to his hometown of Milwaukee. He found the perfect opportunity as an AmeriCorps member serving UW–Madison Extension’s 4-H program. Since starting his service in 2024, Jack has developed creative lesson plans and led groups for youth focused on STEM programming, including […]

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Extension’s Paul Roback wins Distinguished Teaching Award

Paul Roback, professor and Extension educator in Ozaukee County, was named the 2025 recipient of the Van Hise Outreach Teaching Award. Paul, seen above receiving an Extension award for excellence in education and outreach at the 2022 Extension All Colleague Conference, was given the honor for his work to exemplify the guiding philosophy of UW–Madison’s […]

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Picture of a window with clings

Extension receives 2024 Partners in Giving Award

UW–Madison Extension will receive the 2024 Partners in Giving Award for having seen the greatest percentage increase in participation and contributions to the 2024 campaign. Extension will be recognized at a ceremony on March 11 at Union South. Extension had 33 donors and raised a total of just over $14,500. Extension piloted several initiatives in […]

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Hydrogeologic studies: Developing resources for groundwater protection and land use planning 

When Bayfield County received a proposal for a concentrated animal feeding operation, groundwater safety was top of mind. “Bayfield County has a long history of protecting our water resources, whether they are inland lakes, waterways, or Lake Superior shoreland areas,” said Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County administrator. County supervisors realized that they needed a better understanding […]

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Corn growing in dry field during drought conditions

Resource for the Ag Community: The Wisconsin Ag Climate Outlook

During the 2025 growing season, members of the agriculture community in Wisconsin will once again have access to a weekly climate outlook. The Wisconsin Ag Climate Outlook (WACO) includes things like historical and current weather patterns, soil moisture, precipitation, and crop progress. Combining data from national and local sources, including the National Weather Service, regional […]

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New Reports Highlight Growth and Challenges for Business Owners of Color in Wisconsin

Despite growth and success, business owners of color face key challenges, including access to financing, business locations, and anti-Asian racism stemming from the pandemic. A series of new reports out of UW-Madison’s Community Economic Development program highlight the growth and challenges faced by business owners of color in Wisconsin. The four special reports provide a […]

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