Message from the district coordinator

Michigan State University Extension makes a difference in Gratiot County.

Message

Michigan State University Extension serves the residents of Gratiot County through the educational process that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs and opportunities. In 2017, MSU Extension Educators, Program Coordinators, Program Instructors and support staff have all played a role in delivering information to help our farmers, school children, teachers, caregivers, consumers, homeowners, business owners, visitors, workers, parents, government officials, home gardeners, entrepreneurs, those battling chronic disease and those seeking better health, improve their lives and the lives of those they serve, lead and follow. As you read through this annual report, you will see examples of many of the programs and participants from our communities. MSU Extension’s four institutes: Agricultural and Agricultural Business, Children and Youth, Health and Nutrition, and Greening Michigan all played a role in this year’s programming. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our stakeholders and partners.

Bill Hendrian, District Coordinator
Serving District 8

Measuring Impact

Snap-Ed Participants: 616
4-H Program Participants: 1,304
4-H Clubs Members: 609
4-H Special Interest/Enrichment Participants: 579
4-H Volunteers: 116
Foreclosure Prevention & Financial Couseling: 11
TOTAL IMPACT: 1,931

MSU Extension's Expanded Digital Reach

Through combined face-to-face trainings, online webinars, social media, website interaction and electronic newsletters, MSU Extension has made more than 12.1 million connections. More than 149,000 adults* and 212,000 youth† participated in MSU Extension programming in the 2016-17 programming year.

More than 5.3 million people viewed more than 9.8 million pages on the MSU Extension website.‡ Of those, more than 1 million were Michigan residents. MSU Extension remains one of the most visited Cooperative Extension System education websites in the country.

MSU Extension also distributes a series of electronic newsletters that cater to residents’ unique interests. Last year, nearly 1.9 million newsletters covering 90 topic areas were distributed to about 53,000 email addresses.‡ You can sign up for these informative newsletters by visiting msue.msu.edu and clicking on “Newsletter Sign Up” or texting MSUE to 22828.

MSU Extension uses social media channels to reach people with educational content. Currently, Extension reaches more than 4,300 Facebook followers and more than 3,200 Twitter followers.‡ In addition, Michigan 4-H families and volunteers stay informed about activities through social media channels, including on Michigan 4-H Facebook with more than 4,700 likes and on Twitter with more than 1,456 followers.

*From ES237 Federal Report – Oct. 1, 2015, to Sept. 30, 2016
†From Michigan Extension Planning and Reporting System – Jan. 1, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2016
‡From July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017

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