We believe all people should have access to science-based education.
What We Do
What We Do
Penn State Extension is a modern educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities. We provide access to face-to-face and online education to our customers—when they want it, where they want it, and how they want it—to help them address problems and take advantage of opportunities for improvement and innovation. Partnering with and funded by federal, state, and county governments, we have a long tradition of bringing unbiased support and education to the citizens of Pennsylvania. We make a difference locally through focused engagement, and more widely to customers connecting in the digital landscape.
Areas We Cover
4-H Youth Development
- Positive Youth Development
- Science
- Volunteer Management and Development
Energy, Business, and Community Vitality
- Business, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development
- Energy
- Leadership and Community Vitality
- New and Beginning Farmers
Food Safety and Quality
- Food Safety Modernization Act
- Industrial Food Safety and Quality
- Retail, Food Service, and Consumer Food Safety
Agronomy and Natural Resources
- Farm Safety
- Field and Forage Crops
- Forestry and Wildlife
- Master Watershed Steward
- Pesticide Education
- Urban Forestry
- Water Quality and Quantity
Food, Families, and Health
- Family Well-Being
- Health and Wellness
- Vector Borne Diseases
Horticulture
- Grape and Enology
- Green Industry
- Master Gardener
- Tree Fruit
- Vegetable, Small Fruit, Mushroom, and Pollinator
Animal Systems
- Dairy
- Equine
- Livestock
- Poultry
Who We Are
Extension program teams consist of a collection of educators, associates, and faculty that come together from various units when their expertise is needed. Since program team members live and work alongside you, they have a vested interest in ensuring our products and services better their communities. Our program teams also have unique partnerships with county and state governments, and facilitate collaboration with industry, nongovernment organizations, and others.
Our team members
live and work alongside you
Our Focus
How do we decide where to focus? We ask you. Each program team participates in an ongoing program development process to determine our educational programming. This process includes gathering input from stakeholders and customers to ensure we are working to find timely, researched-based solutions in the areas you care about most, and around the issues you face daily.
Pennsylvania residents are our
customers and our advisors.
Where to Find Us
Our education is available when and where you need it. Extension educators actively engage customers through in-person learning experiences, including workshops, conferences, on-site consultation, and more. Our digital experience provides on-demand access to articles, videos, and online courses. You can always find us working hard in your community.
Our extension educators
meet your needs online or on-site.
We Need your Help
We depend on the help of our community members, and we value your support in spreading awareness for Penn State Extension products and services. If you’d like to get involved but aren’t sure how, here are some things you can do to get started:
Spread the Word
Have you tried a Penn State Extension product or service? Do you have children involved in our 4-H program? Let your friends, family, and colleagues know about your experience.
Advocate
Penn State Extension relies on government funding, and the voice of constituents can be a strong motivator. To learn how you can become an advocate, contact our College Relations office.
County Council
We have an office in every county in Pennsylvania. By becoming a member of a county council, you help give a stronger voice to extension at the local, public level. Council members are kept up to date on organizational priorities, activities, issues, and budget strategies.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Extension has volunteer opportunities in areas such as Pennsylvania 4-H, the Master Gardener program, Master Watershed Steward program, Master Well Owner Network, PROSPER, crop trials, farm visits, and more--all of which benefit greatly from volunteer support. Contact your Penn State Extension county office, educator, or client relations manager for more information or to find out how you can help.