About Us
We Are the Wisconsin Idea
UW–Madison Extension embodies the Wisconsin Idea to extend university knowledge to every corner of the state, connecting campus to communities through six institutes: Agriculture, Community Development, Health & Well-Being (including FoodWIse), Human Development & Relationships, Natural Resources, and Positive Youth Development (including 4-H). Extension’s statewide network delivers services to communities and tribes across Wisconsin through partnerships and relationships to adapt the practical applications of research and inform studies with community input.
UW-Madison Extension’s outreach creates key connection points for families, communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, government, and more. We support local volunteers and leaders to take action and serve as role models in their communities, and we make sure Wisconsinites have the latest research, best practices, and educational opportunities. With a presence in every county in Wisconsin and in partnership with First Nations we are:
Promoting healthy relationships: We promote the development of resilient 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 security, lifespan, and parenting needs.
Empowering health and well-being: 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 and culturally based 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.
Fostering civic and economic leadership: 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.
Supporting Wisconsin’s agriculture industry: 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.
Enhancing resilient natural resource systems: We are uniquely positioned to provide science-based information and education at the crossroads of communities, natural resources and agriculture in our state and beyond. The environmental challenges of our time require multidisciplinary community thinking and a strong understanding of the human dimensions of resource management.
Supporting positive youth development: We provide young people a place to belong, a chance to experience positive relationships with others, and an opportunity to explore their interests – something we call “sparks” in the 4-H world. To fulfill this promise, 4-H clubs must reflect the current interests of and communities young people call home.
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.
