The University of Minnesota Extension Service's mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. The University of Minnesota Extension Service contributes to the outreach and engagement mission of the University. five faculty in the Department of Family Social Science have primary teaching assignments with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Extension faculty are full members of the department, with research, graduate faculty, and service responsibilities similar to other faculty. Extension faculty are connected in various ways to Extension Educators throughout the state, collaborating to address critical issues of diverse families in Minnesota's 87 counties
Our Focus
Family Social Science Extension faculty specialize in the social and economic well-being of families including:
Personal and Family Financial Education (Patricia Olson)
What We Do
Extension work takes a variety of forms. Our Extension faculty:
Translate research into user-friendly educational resources using innovative methods and technology to reach families and professionals working with families.
Listen to and learn what social and economic well-being issues are affecting Minnesota's families.
Conduct research in collaboration with community partners.
Provide professional development training and education for Extension educators and other professionals.
Coordinate statewide educational program development and evalluations of programming.
Speak at national, state, and local conferences and meetings and publish works of scholarship.
Secure grant funding to expand and enhance Extension outreach programs.
Improve private and public policies and practices by collaborating with state agencies, businesses, and various public and private work groups.
Consult with state agencies and policy-makers to help ensure policies and practices are family friendly.
Work with the media to respond to public interests and concerns.
