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2023 Statewide Impact

Using trusted research and education, West Virginia University Extension is committed to improving the lives and livelihoods of all West Virginians. Our experts bring programs and resources to our communities to enhance prosperity, improve health outcomes and deliver educational opportunities throughout the state. With a focus on our land-grant mission, partnerships and collaboration, we look forward to continuing to serve our fellow citizens to create a stronger future for West Virginia.

For more information about WVU Extension or questions about this report, please contact us.

Download the 2023 WVU Extension Impact Report

If you would like a copy of the full federal report, please direct questions or comments about this report, contact  Megan Kruger and Adeola Ogunade with the WVU Extension Office of Research and Evaluation.

Education

The West Virginia 4-H program, funded and delivered by WVU Extension, served more than 68,000 youths across the state through community and special interest clubs, county and state camps, and school enrichment programming. 

In West Virginia, labor force participation for the population ages 16 and above is 11% lower than the national average. WVU Extension's hands-on classroom career readiness program is helping youth "see" themselves in the future through educational modules addressing job opportunities, building a resume and more. During the last school year, 333 eighth grade students from nine counties participated in the program. 

WVU Extension partnered with state and federal agencies to host a Conservation Camp to help encourage youth advocacy in nature conservation. Campers increased their sense of environmental stewardship, interest in nature learning and discovery, and concern for natural resources issues

In preparation for the April 2024 solar eclipse, WVU Extension STEMCARE distributed more than 12,000 pairs of eclipse glasses to students across West Virginia along with an educational video and downloadable lesson plan. Additionally, 20,000 "Try This at Home" STEM kits were distributed to teach students about other kinds of solar and space science.

Health Care

Our West Virginia Master Gardener Program provides service to communities throughout the state by offering horticultural educational programs to volunteers. The service of these volunteers helps increase food access and inspire others to grow their own food. In 2023, Master Gardeners completed more than 16,000 volunteer hours, valued at nearly $15,000.

WVU Extension's tree planting program encourages individuals and communities to improve shade, air quality and aesthetics at their local park areas. In 2023, WVU Extension facilitated the planting of 100+ trees in public parks and local spaces to improve overall health and wellbeing for 10,000+ people.

Our Family Nutrition Program's Kids Market @ The Store project provided free fruits and vegetables to nearly 8,000 children across 26 counties and contributed $144,000 to those communities.

West Virginia has the highest diabetes and mortality rates in the country. Last year, our Dining with Diabetes experts provided virtual instruction to 82 people across the state. As a result of the program, average A1C among participants decreased. At least 30% of those who completed the follow-up survey reported exercising daily as a result of participating, 27% reported doing more cooking at home, 39% reported eating smaller portions and 34% reported using the recipes provided in class.

Prosperity

An economic assessment of the benefits of Energy Express, our free, six-week summer literacy program, suggested a cost savings to parents/families of more than $1.2 million in childcare and nearly $461,000 in feeding costs.

Through our financial literacy program, WVU Extension empowers youths and adults with knowledge and skills to make sound financial decisions. By providing education on a host of topics, including credit/debt, basic finance and savings, 75% of participants high financial knowledge, 31% said that they now put money aside for future needs and 77% have a savings account.

For 20 years, WVU Extension has been a key partner in the West Virginia Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist program, which helps build a competent, sustained workforce to provide quality care and education to children and address a critical need in our state. 

WVU Extension trained 846 pesticide applicators, totaling 4,809 pesticide credits. In addition, about 320 pesticide applicators watched the pesticide videos to obtain approximately 1,640 credits. With increased fines for pesticide violations, our experts potentially saved participants $423, 000 in pesticide misuse fines.