Cooperative extension volunteer programs are essential as they help the cooperative extension service reach its state-wide mission of  making “a difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through research-based education.” Understanding the monetary value of volunteer time is extremely valuable as well, as this additional knowledge gives “tools” to  our land-grant universities’ leaders and extension leaders. How? By putting a realistic financial value on what is often perceived as “free” labor and allowing our leaders to communicate a complete contribution picture to state  and local leaders  and citizens alike.

The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is just one of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension volunteer programs that reach out to our local citizens every day delivering up-to-date, researched-based information. In the fiscal year 2021-2022, the Scott County extension master gardener program contributed 587 volunteer hours. In April 2022,  The Independent Sector (https://independentsector.org) released the updated value of volunteer time at   $29.95 per hour, giving the Scott County Extension Master Gardener volunteers’ contribution of time the value of $17,580.65.