Established in 1914, PVAMU Extension (formerly the Cooperative Extension Program) was developed by a partnership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and land-grant universities. It continues to stand as a dependable community asset in over 56 Texas counties, dedicated to enriching and transforming the fabric of Texas communities. PVAMU Extension provides cutting-edge, research-based information to all Texans in support of our mission to build resilient families, improve farm sustainability, expand small businesses, and empower youth to be leaders now and into the future. The PVAMU Extension’s main priority is taking knowledge gained through unbiased research and education and disseminate it directly to the people to create positive changes. This is accomplished through the work of local Extension agents also known as Extension educators.
Extension educators apply various modes of modern technology to expose knowledge and tools but also rely on traditional human values and relationships to gain the attention and trust from the people they serve. As residents of the communities where they work, extension agents bring credibility to their roles as educators. Extension agents are supported by program specialists with expertise in technical subject matter areas. Extension Program Specialists play a critical role in implementing the mission of the 1890 Land Grant System through support to the Extension agents.
Using state-wide, county, and regional needs-based assessments, specialists create programs, services, products, and processes to meet the identified needs of the families and communities. In addition to developing state-wide, regional programs, specialists provide technical guidance to county agents in multiple facets of their county’s program development. To be effective in their roles, specialists receive numerous professional licenses/certificates, terminal degrees, training in adult and youth learning, and the best practices for working with underserved communities.
Educational outreach activities and informal class series are offered through four basic program areas: Agriculture & Natural Resources, Community & Economic Development, 4-H Youth Development and Family & Community Health. State program leaders in these areas provide statewide supervision and leadership for Extension Agents, Program Specialists, Student Workers/Interns, and Administrative Associates. They also determine program direction, future trends, establish proprieties and guide performance plans to produce positive impacts.
PVAMU Wellness in Houston is another signature program offered in six counties. PVAMU Wellness in Houston comprises four PVAMU’s colleges that work collaboratively to curate programs that forge educational, healthcare assessment, and outreach programs. The four colleges are: The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, the College of Nursing, the College of Juvenile Justice, and the College of Business. Our mission is to address health disparities and food insecurities by promoting health, wellness, and nutrition to limited-resource communities in the Greater Houston area, ultimately encouraging healthy, long-term lifestyle changes and behaviors. Our project’s primary objectives consist of an exhaustive curriculum tailored to assess and meet the needs of the underrepresented communities.
Access to information is one of the many ways PVAMU Extension works to increase equity, be responsible stewards of federal funds, address emerging issues, and provide excellent customer service to the people we serve.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced,” -James Baldwin
