DEPARTMENT: Extension
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
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Update On University Of Minnesota Extension Programming In Dakota County
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on the University of Minnesota (U of M) Extension programming in Dakota County.
SUMMARY
The U of M Extension and Dakota County have an educational partnership to support 4-H youth development and natural resources/Master Gardener programming. By Resolution No. 21-576 (December 14, 2021), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Regents of the U of M for the provision of Extension educators and program staff employed by the U of M for the period of January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. These positions provide specific educational programs and services to residents through a regional delivery system based on recommendations by the Dakota County Extension committee. The MOA contracts 4.0 full-time equivalents for 4-H youth development. An Addendum to the MOA was signed on May 24, 2022, to add 1.0 full-time equivalent for natural resources Extension education and support for the Dakota County Extension Master Gardener volunteer program.
The U of M Extension Mission is "Connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota,” reflecting a commitment to delivering high-quality, relevant, research-based educational programs and information to Dakota County residents and communities.
U of M Extension 4-H youth development staff will provide an overview of Dakota County 4-H by reporting on the October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, 4-H year program participation. U of M Extension natural resources Extension staff will outline key data from the 2023 Dakota County Extension Master Gardener volunteer program report and native plant propagation program.
OUTCOMES
Dakota County 4-H enriches young people in kindergarten through one year past high school with the following outcomes:
• Dakota County 4-H will support youth guided by research-based curricula and methods that support the learning and positive development of young people. Strategies to include utilizing mentoring models, advocating for cross-age teaching, delivering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming, and helping youth find their voice on boards and committees.
• Dakota County 4-H will develop and nurture new partnerships to engage youth in identifying and pursuing areas of interest as it relates to career development and exploration.
• Dakota County 4-H will identify strategies to reduce participation barriers and address them proactively. Staff will continue to serve youth in their communities to not only achieve but exceed parity (i.e. establishing transportation funds, camp scholarships, or dues scholarships in the county budget).
Dakota County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is guided by the state priorities and because of this, more county residents are growing food locally, are connected with nature, and are planting pollinator-friendly gardens.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
21-576; 12/14/21
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None.
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Tammy McCulloch
Author: Tammy McCulloch