About Us
We Are the Wisconsin Idea
UW–Madison Extension brings the Wisconsin Idea to every corner of the state, extending university knowledge and connecting campus to communities through six institutes: Agriculture, Community Development, Health & Well-Being, Human Development & Relationships, Natural Resources, and Positive Youth Development. Extension works closely with communities on complex problems that require unbiased, research-based information, developing educational programming to address real-world issues.
Extension’s statewide network of educators delivers services through local partnerships and relationships to develop practical applications of research, while also using community input to inform future studies. Educators support local volunteers and leaders so they can take action and serve as role models in their communities. With a presence in every county in Wisconsin and in partnership with First Nations we are:
We address emerging issues related to Wisconsin’s agriculture and horticulture systems with research-based outreach to advance economically sustainable, socially responsible, and environmentally sound practices. Our faculty specialists, regional educators, and outreach specialists offer valuable educational resources for Wisconsin farmers and gardeners.
We empower Wisconsin youth, and the communities who support them, to thrive. Through Wisconsin 4-H, young people become healthy, productive, and engaged through experiential learning, youth empowerment, and career and college readiness.
We work with communities to build and strengthen social and economic networks, enhancing the quality of life for residents. Through education and engagement, we help communities thrive in areas including leadership and organizational development, food systems, community economic development, and local government education.
We support healthier lives by working with and for the people, communities, and tribal nations of Wisconsin to build relationships, facilitate learning, and pursue data-informed strategies. Our evidence-informed programs are focused on food and nutrition security, chronic disease prevention, mental health promotion, substance use prevention, and access to health care.
We assist individuals and communities across Wisconsin and at every stage of life through meaningful partnerships and research-based education. Our programming opportunities and partnerships cover financial education, aging and caregivers’ needs, and parental support.
We tackle complex challenges, foster meaningful dialogue, and empower the next generation of natural resource leaders — fueling innovation and working in tandem with partners to create a future where people and nature thrive. Our programs are committed to providing the information and leadership needed to grow healthy, thriving communities and support resilient, productive ecosystems, food systems, and economies.
Committed to improvement
Our 2023-2028 Strategic Goals are informed by our partners, participants, faculty, and staff to ensure we’re providing needed, efficient services to all of Wisconsin.
Learn more about us!
Download our informational brochure to learn about our mission and our educational outreach.
See more about our impact and participation.
Contact Us
See our Organization Chart and visit our Staff Directory to learn more about us.
If you have questions about Extension programming, please email info@extension.wisc.edu.
Our Relationships & Partners
Public Records Requests
Extension is a Division of UW-Madison and adheres to University and state regulations for public records access. View this resource to learn more about public records requests.