The mission of the university of alaska fairbanks (UAF) cooperative extension service (CES), through the use of smith-lever special needs federal funding, is to use research-based knowledge to…

The mission of the university of alaska fairbanks (UAF) cooperative extension service (CES), through the use of smith-lever special needs federal funding, is to use research-based knowledge to educate, engage, and support the limited-resource farm families of alaska. CES provides factual and practical information to farmers and their families while bringing alaskans' issues and challenges to the university. CES is committed to promoting the economic security of individuals, families, and communities by providing practical, non-formal education, including nontraditional conferences, workshops, and cooperative work with community and regional 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 and food security; natural resources; healthy individuals, families and communities; and 4-h and youth development. Outreach is provided through publications, faculty consultations, newsletters, blogs, and social media platforms. Resulting programming targets community needs to ensure the protection of am erica's food, fuel and fiber supplies. Programs result from client requests, regional and subject matter advisory groups, surveys, and needs assessments. Alaska is recognized for its immense size and dispersed population. These unique qualities place a tremendous burden on even the most traditional methods of outreach, creating increased cost burdens not experienced in other states or territories. The lack of road systems and reliable internet increases the need for the use of packaged programming and extended travel with the faculty and staff staying in the community for periods of time. IT also requires a reliance on developing 'train the trainer' models that allow remote locations to continue learning opportunities. 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 include increased individual and family well-being through increased knowledge of safe and healthy agricultural practices, increased production of locally and regionally p roduced food, improved food preservation practices, efficient use of energy, and positive youth development education. Stakeholders include k-12 students, individuals, businesses, government, nongovernmental organizations, families, and communities throughout RUR AL alaska.