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

Extension funding 3 specialists to support broadband connectivity for underserved communities

Communities in Wisconsin that lack needed high-speed internet services also happen to be the same communities that lack the resources to take advantage of funding to expand broadband. UW-Madison Extension is committing special funding for three new broadband specialists to solve this problem and bring communities closer to billions of federal funding earmarked to connect […]

New state geologist Susan Swanson has lifelong ties to nature, education

Growing up, Susan Swanson already embodied the Wisconsin Idea that drives UW-Madison Extension. “I learned best when I was able to connect the classroom to things that I could see and interact with in nature.” That led to a career in geology and now the next Wisconsin state geologist. “I realized that geology integrates all […]

‘I need to do this to help my community’ – Extension interns bring UW research to all corners of Wisconsin

To HMoob farmers, growing food is a way to become self-sufficient, eat well, and partake in rich cultural traditions that connect generations through shared knowledge and histories. However, HMoob farmers in Wisconsin, many of whom arrived between the late 1970s and early 2000s, largely did not have access to resources for growing culturally relevant crops, […]

Wisconsin 4-H teams up with AmeriCorps to boost programs, support volunteers

Wisconsin 4-H recently received grant funding from AmeriCorps to help grow 4-H programming. Specifically, AmeriCorps members will help identify new opportunities and build capacity for new 4-H programs. As a result, Extension will bring 4-H programming to even more communities in Wisconsin.

Ruth Schriefer Looks Back on 40 years as an Extension Educator

Jeff Segebrecht estimates that Extension Educator Ruth Schriefer has personally helped thousands of people in southwest Wisconsin improve their finances. He knows this because as Program Director with the Work ‘n Wheels Car Loans Program he is frequently flagged down by people who’ve just acquired a car with a zero-interest loan from the program and […]

Association of County Agricultural Agents Honors 2023 Award Recipients

The Wisconsin Association of County Agricultural Agents (WACAA) recently recognized several members during its annual awards and recognition program. An affiliate of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA), WACAA is a professional organization for county, area, and state Extension professionals to encourage excellence and professionalism in their work; improve the effectiveness of Wisconsin […]

Innovation Awards Reinforce Community Connections through Extension Research and Outreach

UW–Madison Extension awarded grant funding to seven projects that bring innovation to the division’s outreach mission. Extension annually solicits proposals for new projects around engagement and research. Innovation is a core part of Extension’s programming, which ensures that the division is addressing emerging issues in Wisconsin’s communities. “UW–Madison Extension is a conduit for innovative ideas […]

Margaret Kerr recognized with 2023 Distinguished Teaching Award

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has announced the recipients of the 2023 Distinguished Teaching Award, an honor that recognizes some of the university’s finest educators and has been given out since 1953. Among the 12 faculty members recognized this year is Dr. Margaret Kerr, an assistant professor in the School of Human Ecology who also provides […]

Division of Extension announces recipients of 2022 Wisconsin Idea Collaboration Grant

The Division of Extension and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education are excited to announce the nine recipients of the 2022 Wisconsin Idea Collaboration Grants. Now in its second year, this grant funding aims to promote collaboration with faculty across campus around Extension’s six focus areas: promote healthy relationships, empower […]

Lake Superior researcher helps communities better understand harmful algal blooms

Do blooms also like it cold? Lake Superior researcher and international team of scientists help communities better understand harmful algal blooms. Research published in the scientific journal Limnology and Oceanography Letters and led by scientist Dr. Kait Reinl, Research Coordinator at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve in Superior, WI, challenges current understandings of […]