Extension Programs - Funding | University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

Extension Programs - Funding

Signature Program Areas (SPAs)

Animal Production Systems
All aspects of animal production systems from animal safety, ALIRT, Meat Sciences, foraging, aquaculture, beef, dairy, range management, horses, etc. Please do not overlook that much of the programming done within this SPA may have applications in other SPAs including Healthy Living, Financial Management, Community, Economic and Environmental Vitality, etc.

Citizenship and Leadership
Citizenship and community service have been keys to strengthening local communities. This SPA is designed to give added focus to efforts to develop community leadership, foster service learning and community service, and support leadership development.

Community, Economic, and Environmental Vitality
Focuses on economic, social, psychological, and biological factors affecting individuals, families, and groups over their lifespan. Topics include effective parenting, violence prevention, resource management, responsible decision-making, the economic well-being of families and consumers in the marketplace, and leadership skill building.

Connect Youth and Families with the Outdoors
What can Extension do to help ensure that today's young people are connected with nature and the environment in their immediate area? In line with the national effort called "No Child Left Inside", or countering nature-deficit disorder, this SPA is designed to highlight efforts to keep kids connected with the natural world.

Family and Child Development and Care Giving
Balancing work and family commitments can be a struggle for many Arizonans. The Family and Child Development and Care Giving education programs help people improve their lives through effective parenting, responsible decision making and access to community support systems. These Extension programs are designed to link educational and community resources to people who are looking for ways to improve their family's health and well-being. These programs include education that focuses on people and families who are under additional stress due to limited resources.

Financial Management
Personal Finance programs developed through out the Cooperative Extension system, in collaboration with government offices, state universities, and NIFA, are designed to enhance economic opportunities and quality of life among individuals, families and communities. These programs provide consumers with the tools and knowledge to cope with economic stress, improve spending habits, manage and reduce debt and add value to their consumer decisions.

Food and Fiber Production Systems
Includes all programming within agricultural plant systems. Soil, fertilizers, pests, varieties, diseases, irrigation, economics, etc. Please do not overlook that much of the programming done within this SPA may have applications in other SPAs including Connect Youth and Families with the Outdoors, Healthy Living, Financial Management, Community, Economic and Environmental Vitality, etc.

Healthy Living
Nutrition, physical activity and food safety practices are lifestyle choices that greatly influence the health of people, families and communities. Healthier people are better able to contribute to a robust economy. Past research has demonstrated the health benefits of an active lifestyle and sound nutritional practices. The Healthy Lifestyles education programs translate relevant research into effective healthy nutrition, physical activity and food safety practices people can use to improve their lives, homes and businesses.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
America needs more young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math to maintain our innovative and competitive edge. This SPA will help Extension define who we can respond to this need and emphasize science and inquiry-based learning.

Water, Plants, and Natural Resources
All aspects of water programming as well as any Natural Resource programming. The "Plants" was added here to include non-agricultural plants which can include horticulture, gardening, etc. Thus home and community activities may fit well into this SPA, especially if they pertain to plants or natural resources within the community. Please do not overlook that much of the programming done within this SPA may have applications in other SPAs including Connect Youth and Families with the Outdoors, Healthy Living, Financial Management, Community, Economic and Environmental Vitality, etc.

Previously Funded Programs