Parks & Leisure

Kent/MSU Cooperative Extension

775 Ball Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 336-3265
Fax: (616) 336-3836

Mission Statement

A University/Community partnership connecting education to life to meet the challenges of a changing and diverse society.

Kent County MSU Extension website

2006 County Profile

Overview

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension in Kent County is part of a state-wide information and education delivery network, applying university level, research-based knowledge to locallyidentified critical issues. We respond to local needs through a unique partnership of County, State and Federal resources. Information is extended to Kent County residents through the MSU non-formal education system, which assists individuals, families and communities to make better decisions.

Kent/MSU Extension services are divided into three program areas. In the Agriculture, Horticulture, and Natural Resource program area, education is provided on topics including: agriculture in the bio-economy, agri-security, pesticide use, animal waste management, farm marketing, financial planning, and other farm management topics. Horticulture offerings include plant and soil diagnostics, Green Industry business assistance and education, the MSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer program, and consumer assistance through the horticulture hotline.

Children, Youth, Families and Communities programs focus on research based education in food and nutrition, personal finance, youth and volunteer development. Geared toward prevention, educators work within the community to help individuals and agencies survive and thrive in tough economic times. You may find MSUE educators and instructors in homes, food pantries, working with developmentally challenged youth and adults, engaging seniors in improving their health, in school or after-school programming, and in youth development clubs. Community agencies and employers also host MSU Extension education classes and partner with us through train-the-trainer programming, creating capable community-based educators throughout Kent County.

Land use education and capacity building are primary focus areas of the Community and Economic Development program. Local units of government, community-based organizations, public officials and citizens participate in a variety of educational programs on many aspects of community development.

Strategic Plan

Expand the bio-fuel development sales of agricultural products grown in Kent County via efforts with MSU researchers
Bring research from MSU to Kent County in multiple educational program areas: nutrition and health, youth development, agriculture and natural sciences, urban and rural development.

Operational Goals

Improve dietary outcomes for adults and youth in nutrition, and breast-feeding outcomes for new moms and infants following participation in Extension educational programs
Increase participation in educational programs for youth and for adult leaders that will develop their skills in leadership, science, engineering and technology
Ensure viability of agricultural and green industries in Kent County
Facilitate processes for Kent County citizens, neighborhoods, communities and local governmental officials to
learn and implement best practices in land use, utilizing MSU resources whenever possible
Provide educational programs that will assist individuals to increase skills in money management

2011 Adopted Uses $594,939

Selected Performance Measures

Performance Measure	2008 Actual	2009 Actual	2010 Actual	2011 Expected
Percent of people making improvement in diet per ERS report	92.50%	93.00%	94.00%	90.00%
Percent of new moms enrolled in BFI program who follow through to initiate breastfeeding and breasfeed for 6 months or longer	NA	NA	65.00%	60.00%
Percent of 4-H volunteers and members who report an increase in decision making or leadership skills following training	83.00%	80.00%	76.00%	80.00%
Percent increase in green industry producers in crop, financial management and/or income production-related educational programs	28.00%	48.00%	18.00%	5.00%
Percent of participants indicating an increase in knowledge of best practices in land use	95.00%	90.00%	90.00%	90.00%
Percent of students completing money management course who intend to increase amount of savings	99.00%	98.00%	96.00%	95.00%

Department History of Uses

Uses	2008 Actual	2009 Actual	2010 Adopted	2011 Adopted
Personnel	$346,638	$319,622	$276,410	$263,404
Commodities	20,571	19,854	25,464	24,464
Contractual Services	284,098	294,895	275,484	268,908
Capital Outlay	5,940	6,013	5,875	2,455
Special Projects	7,817	52,163	48,801	35,708
Total	$665,064	$692,547	$632,034	$594,939

Personnel FTE	6	5.5	4.5	4

Significant Budget Issues

One half-time position, an Education Assistant/4-H Youth Development (County funded), was eliminated to reduce expenditures and meet budget goals for the 2011 fiscal year. Travel expenses related to this position were also reduced to meet budget goals.

Significant Accomplishments

MSU Staff in Kent County held professional development staff day for Grand Rapids Public School Physical Education teachers, resulting in a new partnership to provide them with nutrition education resources to complement additional physical activity time in school day during 2010-11 school year.

Expansion from six schools this year to 14 in 2010-11. Due to the number of new administrators at these buildings beginning in September, 2010, meetings were held during the spring to ensure transition and continuity as this wellness program continues.

Sixth consecutive year of MSUE-led summer workshops for teachers and other staff on how to incorporate nutrition and physical activity into the classroom day. In 2010, 25 additional teachers received this training and related resources.

Partnership with Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC)--GRCC students majoring in wellness and health will participate in classrooms in the 2010-11 school year to deliver Organwise Guys lessons at select schools.