The mission of the university of alaska fairbanks (UAF) cooperative extension service (CES) through the use of smith-lever 3B & 3C federal funding is to use research-based knowledge to educate, engage…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the University of Alaska Fairbanks $2.584 million on October 1, 2025, under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program (CFDA 10.511) to support cooperative extension services across Alaska through September 30, 2030.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service delivers research-based education and engagement to Alaska's people and communities through non-formal education including conferences, workshops, and cooperative work with community, regional, and tribal partners. Programming addresses four priority areas: agriculture and food security; natural resources management; healthy individuals, families, and communities; and 4-H and youth development. Outreach occurs through publications, faculty consultations, newsletters, blogs, and social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Programming responds to client requests, regional and subject-matter advisory groups, surveys, and needs assessments.

Place of performance is Fairbanks, Alaska. The program's assistance type is formula grant. The Smith-Lever Extension Funding program supports the development of practical applications of research knowledge and cooperative agricultural extension activities at land-grant institutions. Project periods for this program are not to exceed the funding period unless extended, with funds expected to be fully expended in the fiscal year of appropriation; up to 100 percent of funds may be carried over for up to four years after the end of the year for which they were appropriated without prior approval.

The mission of the university of alaska fairbanks (UAF) cooperative extension service (CES) through the use of smith-lever 3B & 3C federal funding is to use research-based knowledge to educate, engage and support the people and communities of alaska, connecting them with their university. CES provides factual and practical information while bringing alaskans' issues and challenges to the university. CES is committed to promoting the sustainability and economic security of individuals, families and communities by providing practical, non-formal education, including conferences, workshops and cooperative work with community, regional and tribal partners. CES priorities address national priorities by helping families, youth and individuals be physically, mentally and emotionally healthy; enhancing workforce preparation and life skills; strengthening food safety and security; and fostering greater energy independence. Specifically, this funding allows US to focus on our priority issues of agriculture & food security; natural resources management; healthy individuals, families & communities; and 4-H & youth development. Outreach is provided TH rough publications, faculty consultations, newsletters, blogs and social media platforms like facebook pages, youtube channels and instagram. Resulting programming is dynamic and responsive to emerging stakeholder needs and interests. Programs result from client requests, various regional and subject matter advisory groups, surveys and needs assessments. Alaska is recognized for its immense size and dispersed population with both rural and urban communities. These unique qualities place tremendous burden on even these most traditional methods of outreach, creating increased cost burdens not experienced in other states or territories. Collaborations with other universities and with other units within UAF, the university of alaska statewide system, federal and state agencies, nongovernmental organizations and private industry are vital to the successful outreach across this vast state. From the investment in these key topic areas we can expect to see several positive outcomes across alaska, notable in our rural populations. Anticipated outcomes aim to address community needs while ensuring the protection of america's food, fuel and fiber supplies. This includes increased individual and family wellbeing through increased knowledge of growing practices, more locally and regionally produced food, improved food preservation practices, use of energy and positive youth development education. Stakeholders include K-12 students, higher education students, researchers, individuals, businesses, industry, government, nongovernmental organizations, families and communities throughout alaska.