The following provides a high-level summary of the work we intend to support with section 1444 and matching funds provided by the state of west virginia

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation $4,199,278 under the Extension Services at 1890 Colleges and Tuskegee University, West Virginia State College, and Central State University program (CFDA 10.512) on October 1, 2025.

West Virginia State University Extension will deliver extension programming across five critical issue areas within West Virginia. The program will revitalize rural communities by empowering youth, supporting families, and fostering civic pride through leadership development, financial literacy education, and community engagement initiatives. It will expand workforce readiness by preparing youth and adults with knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial tools needed to thrive in a changing economy. The extension service will advance health outcomes by promoting chronic disease prevention, food safety, and nutrition education while increasing access to locally grown, healthy foods. Finally, it will enhance the productivity and resilience of West Virginia's natural resources through education in efficient land use, environmental stewardship, and new farmer training.

The award period runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2030, with place of performance at Dunbar, West Virginia. The funding supports Section 1444 agricultural extension activities and is supplemented by matching funds provided by the State of West Virginia. West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation operates as the technology transfer and economic development arm of West Virginia State University, a 1890 Land-Grant College and Historically Black College or University.

West virginia state university extension (wvsues) aligns its programs within critical areas based on ongoing stakeholder input as well as identified emerging issues within the state of west virginia. Wvsues will focus its efforts on critical issue areas designed to strengthen the prosperity and well-being of west virginians. The program will revitalize rural communities by empowering youth, supporting families, and fostering civic pride through leadership development, financial literacy education, and community engagement initiatives. IT will expand workforce readiness by preparing youth and adults with the knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial tools needed to thrive in a changing economy. Extension will also advance health outcomes by promoting chronic disease prevention, food safety, and nutrition education while increasing access to locally grown, healthy foods. Finally, IT will enhance the productivity and resilience of west virginia's natural resources through education in efficient land use, environmental stewardship, and new farmer training. Together, these initiatives will strengthen communities, expand economic opportunity, and improve quality of life across the state.