Relevance:  The Cooperative Extension Service addresses diverse public needs in different communities by utilizing research and evidence-based practices. Many Extension staff across Kentucky’s 120 counties often seek affordable and accessible graduate-level educational opportunities to further develop their understanding of applied research, ability to identify credible information, as well as open up career advancement possibilities.

Response:  In 2019, two fully online graduate certificate programs were launched in the concentration areas of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) and Positive Youth Development (PYD), both of which are essential to Extension work. Each program consists of three asynchronous courses, allowing agents and assistants to strengthen their expertise in these focus areas while continuing to serve in their full-time roles. Another key advantage is that Extension personnel can utilize the University of Kentucky’s Employee Education Program to cover tuition for up to six credit hours per semester. Considerable time and effort have been dedicated to marketing, recruitment, and raising awareness of these certificate programs, with a particular emphasis on reaching Extension professionals.

Results:  During the 2024–2025 academic year, the three FCS courses enrolled a total of 32 students, while two PYD courses had a combined enrollment of 27. Although these courses are open to all graduate students, enrollment data indicates that most participants were Extension employees. Feedback from students in the media, technology, and society course specifically highlighted plans to apply what they learned to enhance outreach, promote community learning, and emphasize media literacy in their Extension roles.

Public Value Statement: Continued education improves the quality and effectiveness of programs and services delivered by Extension agents and associates to the public.