Extension > About Extension
Creating a Stronger Minnesota
through Education and Research
Extension education and research improves economic, social and environmental conditions in Minnesota and the world by engaging Minnesotans to make better decisions, take positive action and create significant outcomes in their lives and communities.
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 address issues that matter and create a better world for future generations.
- Keeping our food safe and affordable
- Preparing today's youth to be tomorrow's leaders
- Ensuring Minnesota communities are strong
- Improving our environment
- Helping families make better decisions
Extension gives Minnesotans a role in University research and outreach
Volunteering to make a difference: 34,500 Extension volunteers work in Extension's 4-H, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs, giving 1.4 million hours of service.
Advising Extension and the University: More than 1,000 engaged Minnesotans serve on 87 County Extension Committees, regional and program advisory committees, and Extension's Statewide Citizen's Advisory Committee.
Learning for a lifetime: Each year, more than 700,000 people participate in Extension education and research while Extension's information-rich educational website receives 13 million visits.
Extension leverages Federal, State and County investments
Statewide infrastructure connects the University with Minnesota
Extension makes University research and knowledge readily available to Minnesota.
Over 65% of Extension's 800 researchers, educators and staff are located in greater Minnesota at:
- Regional Extension offices
- Extension county offices
- University research and outreach centers
- University campuses
Extension generates research, education and outreach in:
Extension is part of Minnesota's land grant University
The University of Minnesota is one of the nation's land grant universities with a mission to address critical public issues through teaching, research and outreach.
The land grant university system was founded by federal and state governments 150 years ago for:
Teaching - Morrill Act in 1862
Research - Hatch Act in 1887
Extension - Smith-Lever Act in 1914
"Extending" knowledge to address important issues
The national Extension system was created when federal, state and county governments were funded to "extend" scientific knowledge and expertise to the public.
Every state has an Extension organization, each associated with its land grant University.
In Minnesota, Extension delivers on the University's land grant mission and mandate by connecting the public with scientific knowledge and expertise regarding critical issues in Minnesota.
