Extension > About Extension
Creating a Stronger Minnesota through Education and Research
Extension provides practical education and research you can trust, to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future.
Solving complex problems, creating a better future
Today's most pressing issues cross state and world boundaries, requiring strong partnerships, focused investments and diverse perspectives from multiple disciplines.
Extension researchers and educators engage individuals and organizations in asking the challenging questions to discover science-based answers that make a difference.
Together, we create a better world for today and tomorrow by:
- Keeping our food safe and affordable
- Preparing today's youth to thrive in a complex world
- Ensuring Minnesota communities are strong
- Improving our environment
- Helping families make better decisions
Extension leverages Federal, State and County investments
Connecting the University with Minnesota
Extension makes University research and knowledge available to Minnesota.
Over 65% of Extension's 800 researchers, educators and staff live and work in greater Minnesota, located at:
- Regional Extension offices
- Extension county offices
- University research and outreach centers
- University campuses
Extension education model
- Research
- discovering science-based solutions that work
- Education
- building a stronger Minnesota and a brighter future
- Value
- helping people develop knowledge and skills to solve problems
Extension generates research, education and outreach in:
"Extending" knowledge
University of Minnesota is part of the national network of land-grant institutions with a mission to address critical public issues through teaching, research and outreach.
Extension delivers on the University's landgrant mission, working with Minnesotans to address important issues, creating a better world for future generations.
Extension gives Minnesotans a role in University research
34,500 volunteers in Extension's 4-H, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist program give 1.4 million hours of service
1,000 engaged Minnesotans serve on Extension's county, regional and state advisory boards and committees
700,000 people participate annually in Extension programs
University of Minnesota Extension Mission
Make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota.
