2025 Extension Highlights: Value to Local Communities
Extension connects you with the resources and research of the University of Nebraska. Extension helps people solve real-world problems.
Nutrition School Enrichment Kits (SEK) Program
To help prevent childhood obesity and chronic disease through healthy habits, Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) asked Extension to develop classroom kits for hands-on nutrition education. SEK initially served three grade levels in 12 schools and is now core health curriculum for grades K–5... Continue reading…
Sharing Impact — Dr. Matt Avey
“The School Enrichment Nutrition Kits and the Nebraska Extension Educators have been a tremendous resource for providing incredible nutrition education to over 18,000 students annually in LPS.”
—Dr. Matt Avey, LPS Curriculum Specialist for K–12 Health and Physical Education
Nitrogen On-Farm Research
Waverly farmer Dick Dames (center) collaborated with Extension Educator John Nelson (right) to conduct on-farm research testing lower nitrogen application rates. The study showed reducing nitrogen applied on a cornfield saved input costs and didn’t affect corn yield. Continue reading…
Sharing Impact — Dick Dames
“We learned from our On-Farm Research we can decrease the amount of fertilizer applied and still obtain the same or respectable yields.”
—Dick Dames, Waverly producer
Environmental Hazard Training
Lincoln Electric System (LES) reported environmental injuries in recent years totaled nearly $5,000 in medical expenses, as well as lost work time. At LES’ request, Extension Horticulturist Rachel Anderson (left) and Extension Urban Entomologist Kait Chapman (right) presented a training to... Continue reading…
Sharing Impact — Jim Rigg
“Thank you for the valuable education. It has already had a direct benefit to our organization. We look forward to seeing the positive results of this effort in the future.”
—Jim Rigg, Lincoln Electric System Safety Manager
Early Childhood Wellness Program
Extension Educator Jaci Foged (standing) and Julie Jones-Branch of Lincoln Littles co-developed a pilot program, Healthy Habits: The 8 Dimensions of Wellness. In this yearlong program, 100 childcare providers learned strategies to address burnout, build resilience and foster... Continue reading…
Sharing Impact — April Bell
“Being reminded that I am not alone in this profession has actually been a life and career saver.”
—April Bell, early childhood educator participating in Healthy Habits: The 8 Dimensions of Wellness
Nutrition Education Program (NEP)
NEP fosters health and wellbeing for limited-resource families, engaging over 16,000 adults and youth in over 4,000 hours of health-focused education at over 80 partnership sites. Continue reading…
The Science of Groundwater Movement
At the request of Norris High School teacher Katy Dornbos, Extension Associate Becky Schuerman (left) and UNL Professor Troy Gilmore (in background) taught 74 Advanced Chemistry students about the movement of groundwater and contaminants by using interactive flow models. Continue reading…
Volunteers Valued at $789,000
Lancaster County Extension’s estimated 2,200 volunteers gave 25,000 total hours of service worth $789,000* to our community! Extension benefits from volunteers such as 4‑H club leaders, 4-H Council members, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and Extension Board members. Continue reading…
4-H Engaged 37,555 Youth
4‑H equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. 4‑H builds a ready generationin a world of change.
Sharing Impact — Lathan Huntley
“4‑H has helped spark an interest in me in poultry to start a career in them, and I’ve already started breeding and selling my own birds.”
—Lathan Huntley (aka Chicken Dude), 4‑H member
4-H Clubs
Led by adult volunteers, 53 clubs ranging from 5 to 71 youth members offer adult-youth mentorship and experiential learning. Youth in 4‑H clubs learn leadership, critical thinking, civic engagement and more. Continue reading…
Embryology
3,945 students in 192 classrooms from 64 schools learned about embryo development by hatching chicks in third grade classrooms. Extension staff coordinate the program and give classroom presentations. Continue reading…
4-H at Lancaster County Super Fair
549 exhibitors entered 4,765 exhibits (including static exhibits, animals, contest entries and Clover Kids exhibits). The Super Fair is an opportunity for 4‑H youth to showcase projects and skills they’ve worked on throughout the year. Continue reading…
Clover College
59 hands-on workshops led by 75 instructors were held in 4 days with 1,047 session registrations! Emphasis was on science, ag literacy, healthy living, career development and citizenship/leadership. Continue reading…
Teen Ambassadors Teach Healthy Habits
Seven teens, led by Extension Educators Tracy Anderson (left) and Kayla Colgrove (right), presented hands-on lessons on how to prevent food loss and waste to nearly 400 youth and adults. Pictured are Clinton Elementary after-school youth measuring wasted milk. Continue reading…
4-H’s Positive Impact
The 2024 National Index Study of 4‑H Youth shows how high-quality Positive Youth Development fosters youth success and readiness. Key findings include:
• 76% rated “I fill my time with positive activities” a 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale. Continue reading…
Originally published December 30, 2025 -
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