The 4-H Youth Development Program, the youth development program for the United States Cooperative Extension service, is a nonformal education program with more than 100 years of history providing experiential learning activities for youth. As growing evidence supports the critical role of nonformal education in STEM literacy (National Research…

Several years ago a senior APS colleague challenged the leaders of academic programs to critically think about a preferred future for ensuring that there is not only the capability, but also the willingness to recognize and reform and/or reframe higher education programs within FANRRS to meet the challenges of "preparing society ready…

Describes a program in which a rainfall simulator was used to promote water conservation by showing water infiltration, water runoff, and soil erosion. The demonstrations provided a good background for the discussion of issues such as water conservation, crop rotation, and conservation tillage practices. The program raised awareness of…

Presents and discusses a video-enhanced decision case developed for use in a single learning session with little or no preparation beforehand. The content of the case is well suited to introducing and analyzing issues affecting the sustainability of farming operations. A lesson plan for using the case with extension audiences is described.…

Describes an off-campus program leading to a Master's Degree in Agriculture from Iowa State University. Discusses the program's objectives, the degree requirements, delivery system, program history, composition of participants, faculty involvement, and problems encountered. (TW)