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

Group of people stand together in the middle of a corn field talking.

Connecting Communities through Peer-to-Peer Learning

Learning happens in all kinds of formats and locations. Sharing what you know with peers is a valuable way to pass along information about what works and what does not. More formally, learning from peers enables networking, which cultivates like-minded groups that are able to support one another and thrive. UW-Madison Extension incorporates peer-to-peer learning […]

Two youth sit at tables in a council chamber smiling at the camera. The one on the left holds up a paper slip with the word "MOCK" printed on it. In the background, several other youth sit at tables with folders and name tags, interacting in a group discussion.

Creating Positive Change: How Teen Courts Support Youth and Communities

Patrol Captain Mike Kowalski believes in giving teens a second chance. For youth, a citation can have negative impacts on their future. They can find themselves disqualified for military service or have difficulty securing student loans. Disclosing a violation on a job or college application can reduce their chances of success. And that has an […]

Several people lean over documents and maps

Engaging Communities in Science

Through community-engaged science, UW–Madison Extension is building local capacity so that communities can thrive. By engaging communities in research and scientific inquiry, community members help shape research questions, data collection, and the use of results. That leads communities to have more trust in the findings and more “buy-in” when the findings lead to new procedures […]

Two people stand in a river in waders. One person is in the middle of the river, pushing a long pole down to measure.

Water Action Volunteers: Engaging communities in monitoring water quality

Growing up on the Wisconsin River in the 1960s, Arnie DeWitt remembers the not-so-pleasant smell and look of the water. “There would be foam on top of the river, maybe a foot thick,” he said. Now, DeWitt lives in Burnett County near the Yellow River, which currently meets criteria for high-quality water according to the […]

FCC Commissioner Visits Research Station to See Precision Agriculture in Action

Modern farming utilizes technology and connectivity in ways that shape nearly all daily farm activities, from helping monitor a cow’s eating habits to managing fieldwork down to the inch where a seed is planted. A commissioner and team from the Federal Communications Commission saw precision agriculture firsthand at one of UW–Madison’s agricultural research stations in […]

Collage of different types of cooperatives, including farm, solar energy, and healthcare.

UWCC Awarded WEDC Grant to Expand Cooperative Development in Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) was awarded $127,000 by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to boost cooperative development throughout the state of Wisconsin. The funding will allow UWCC to expand technical assistance for start-ups, conversions, and existing co-ops, and address one of Wisconsin’s pressing concerns: retiring business owners without succession plans. “Like […]

As a municipal clerk specialist and education specialist with the Division of Extension, professor Melissa Kono travels the state to support election training efforts. Here, she leads the Waushara & Waupaca County Election Inspector Training at the Waushara County Government Center

Melissa Kono named a 2026 Distinguished Teaching Award Winner

Professor Melissa Kono, a municipal clerk specialist in the Local Government Education program, was named the 2026 recipient of the Wisconsin Idea Teaching Award. Kono was honored for her work to exemplify the guiding philosophy of UW–Madison’s outreach efforts to extend the borders of the university. Kono meets her students where they are — literally. […]

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Addressing Polarization through Civic Assemblies

In an era of increased political polarization, innovative approaches to bringing diverse voices together may offer ways for communities to rebuild trust and increase civic dialogue. Polarization has far-reaching consequences. As Americans increasingly distrust those with different political views, polarization can erode trust, narrow social connections, and discourage everyday civic conversation. Public meetings can become […]

Bridge with cars driving over a river. Bridge is surrounded by green trees and interspersed with roofs of houses and a brick clock tower peeking over the tree line on the far side of the bridge.

Strengthening Rural Economies through Wisconsin REV: Advancing Economic Development in Merrill

Like many rural and northern Wisconsin communities, Merrill’s population decline is shaped by an aging population and fewer young people moving to or staying in the area. “If you don’t address those and turn those around, what happens is your city, no matter what you do, will struggle to remain vibrant,” said Scott Steele, former […]

Extension’s AI Forums build foundational skills for local and tribal governments

As the New Glarus Village Administrator, Kelsey Jenson is thinking about AI and how it affects her work. “AI is here and continuing to grow, whether we like that or not. I think it’s imperative for local government officials to know how AI is already being used in our work,” she said. For public entities […]