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2022 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. In fiscal year 2021-22, we engaged more than 193,622 adults and 94,166 youths. 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 2022 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

WVU Extension partnered with state and federal agencies to host a Conservation Camp with a goal of helping shape environmental stewardship of young people and encouraging youth advocacy in nature conservation. Eighty percent of campers increased their sense of environmental stewardship and 91% improved natural resource conservation skills .

More than 34,000 West Virginia youths and adults received STEM educational resources or participated in STEM camps, trainings and school enrichment activities.

Children in our Energy Express free summer reading and nutrition program went from being interested in reading 0–3 days per week to 4-7 days per week.

Approximately 23,100 West Virginia youths participated in WVU Extension-led 4-H school enrichment programming, and more than 4,300 youths attended a residential county 4-H camp.

Health Care

In a post-COVID world, 4-H programs—virtual and in person—are critical to keeping West Virginia youths connected. Participants reported engaging in activities around social/emotional health, nutrition education, physical activity and mental health as important components of 4-H.

Be Wild, Be Wonderful, Be Healthy West Virginia improved access to nutritional food and safe places for physical activity in Clay and McDowell counties to address chronic health issues. The program improved access to healthy foods to 20% of the population and 26% increased access to physical activity.

Our Kids Market @ The Store and Kids Farmers Markets offer free fruits and vegetables to children ages 2-17 in our West Virginia communities. These programs improved mealtime behaviors and their willingness to try and eat more fruits and vegetables.

Prosperity

An economic assessment of the benefits of Energy Express, our free , 6-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.

To improve college-going rates in West Virginia, our financial literacy team offered a free course to 296 high school students to learn about paying for college. As a result, 58% of students were motivated to complete the FAFSA form and 73% indicated they will apply for financial aid to for post-secondary education.

Recreational and tourism opportunities are vital to our state’s economic success. WVU Extension, U.S. Forest Service and Rural Development implemented the Mon Forest Towns to help enhance prosperity in these 12 communities. More than $7 million in grants has been secured to enhance economic growth.

Through increased virtual and in-person educational opportunities, WVU Extension experts helped high tunnel producers increase production of cool and warm season crops. Twelve producers reported a yield of 23,473 lbs. (50% increase over previous year) at an estimated total value of $39,819 in income.