Who are Extension agents?

    You’ve probably seen or heard the words, “Extension agent,” “4-H agent,” “agricultural agent” or “family and consumer science agent” on a few different occasions. Most of the time, these words were tied to your local Extension office and a program or activity that was being brought to you by Extension. But who are these agents and what exactly are their jobs?
    Before understanding the role of Extension agents, you must first learn what Extension is. Extension is a partnership between the United Stated Department of Agriculture, land-grant universities in every state (Colorado State University is Colorado’s only land-grant university), county government and American citizens. Extension is the largest out-of-school educational system in the world, which provides noncredit education to help people solve their problems.
    Colorado State University Extension is committed to making sure the latest university information makes it to businesses, community organizations, backyards and grocery carts. Off-campus Extension offices are located in just about every county in Colorado. In order to help Colorado residents improve their quality of life and address critical social and economic issues, CSU Extension uses a network of citizens, scientists and educators. Through these partnerships, University knowledge is dispersed to Colorado residents.
    Extension agents use their education, research-based information provided by Extension specialists, and the local, regional and statewide Extension teams to make impacts in communities across Colorado.
    Extension Agents have various jobs throughout the community, but the most common responsibilities of an agent are:
    — Assess community needs.
    — Prepare and deliver educational program targeted to meeting those needs.
    — Respond to customer requests.
    — Recruit, train and involve community leaders and volunteers in your programs.
    — Market programs.
    — Evaluate program effectiveness.
    — Develop and maintain good public relations.
    — Increase professional competence.
    — Represent Colorado State University.

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