EXPAND: AI

EXPAND: AI is designed to help Cooperative Extension professionals explore practical ways artificial intelligence can support and enhance their work. Throughout the course, participants will build comfort and confidence with AI tools while discovering innovative applications for program development, communication, teaching, and everyday work in Extension.

General AI content is led by Extension professionals with expertise in AI research, teaching, and application, while track-specific learning is facilitated by colleagues who are actively exploring and using AI in their own program areas—ranging from experienced practitioners to newer adopters. Together, they will share real-world examples, lessons learned, and practical strategies for responsible AI use in Extension roles.

Registration is open

Find Your Track

Join Extension professionals who serve the same audiences you do!

Agriculture: Farmers, producers, and agricultural business affiliates

Community Development: Local government, nonprofits, and leadership groups

Human Development: Families, parents, and aging populations

Youth Development: 4-H participants, volunteers, and youth-serving organizations

Schedule

There are six virtual workshops via Zoom
on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT.

Dates

August 26, 2026
September 2, 2026
September 9, 2026
September 16, 2026
September 23, 2026
September 30, 2026

Cost

The program costs $130 per participant,
which includes the following:

Six live workshops
Resources and discussions on Canvas
A digital badge

Who Should Attend

Extension professionals from all program areas and roles are invited to participate. Participants should select the track that best aligns with the audiences and communities they most often serve. While the track content is primarily designed with programmatic staff in mind, the conversations and learning will be valuable for anyone interested in understanding how AI is shaping Extension work.

No prior AI experience is required, and you do not need to be convinced that AI has a place in your work. The best participants are curious, willing to ask questions, open to exploring new ideas, and respectful of the diverse perspectives and comfort levels that colleagues bring to AI-related conversations. Because examples and applications throughout the course are grounded in Cooperative Extension, those with an interest in Extension programming and outreach will find the experience especially relevant.

Course Objectives

Describe the core principles of artificial intelligence and its relevance to Extension programming and operations.

Identify opportunities to integrate AI tools into existing programs in responsible and ethical ways.

Evaluate AI output for accuracy, inclusivity, and alignment with Extension’s public mission.

Experiment and practice integrating AI tools into planning and delivering programming to enhance learning and engagement.

Design a plan to use AI tools to increase efficiency, creativity, or reach within a current Extension effort.

Engage with peers to share, refine, and reflect on AI integration strategies.

Cohort Design

Entirely virtual, blending synchronous workshops with asynchronous exploration

Interactive demonstrations and guided tool practice

Peer feedback built into virtual programmatic sessions

Signature EXPAND elements—application in real time, cross-organizational connection, and creative knowledge-sharing

Cancellation Policy

If a participant cancels at least 5 working days before the event, they will receive a refund, minus processing fees. Cancellations made 4 or fewer working days prior to the event are not eligible for a refund. Contact events@extension.wisc.edu

Questions?

Matt Hanson, Project Manager–EXPAND, matt.hanson@wisc.edu
Amber Shanahan, Director, Organizational Learning & Professional Development Specialist, amber.shanahan@wisc.edu
Claire Brittain, Instructional Designer, Organizational Learning & Professional Development,
claire.brittain@wisc.edu