UW-Extension: The Idea in Action

The university standing shoulder to shoulder with people in communities to make life better for the state, country and world

UW-Extension includes four divisions: Cooperative Extension, with offices in 72 counties and three tribal nations; Continuing , Outreach and E-Learning programs delivered through distance learning and in partnership with the 26 UW System campuses; statewide networks of and Wisconsin Public Television; and Entrepreneurship and activities via Small Business Development Centers in all regions of the state and via the Center for Technology Commercialization and the Center for Community Technology Solutions.

Cooperative Extension: Working for Wisconsin

Cooperative Extension (COOP) teaches, learns, leads and serves by connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. COOP offers timely access to university research and knowledge through educational colleagues in 72 county offices, five 4-year campuses and within three tribal nations. COOP works with and is funded by local, state and federal partners to offer educational programs that address the important issues of individuals, families, businesses and communities. Its vision is to be a thriving, well-known and sought-out educational resource that reflects the rich diversity of the state. It values community, discovery, relationships, inclusiveness and respect.

COOP’s educational program areas demonstrate how these fundamental principles become reality through the work that it is doing for Wisconsin residents. It provides educational programs by teaming up with agriculture; meeting community challenges; protecting natural resources; strengthening Wisconsin’s families; and supporting young people through six program areas. Each year, COOP makes more than one million direct teaching contacts through meetings, workshops and phone calls. It makes more than five million indirect contacts each year through newsletters and traditional and social media.

Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning

Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning (CEOEL) is dedicated to helping people meet their continuing education goals by providing system-wide leadership, advocacy, and support for non- traditional learners, and to create innovative ways for all learners to access and connect with the University of Wisconsin. Whether people are nontraditional students looking for a credit program, a working professional seeking a noncredit course, an individual interested in professional or personal enrichment, or a company interested in updating their training program, CEOEL has what they need.

As a leader in educational innovation, CEOEL houses the new and innovative UW Flexible Option, a more personalized, convenient, and affordable way for adults and other nontraditional students to earn a University of Wisconsin degree or certificate while balancing work, family, and other commitments. The UW Flexible Option includes self-paced, competency-based degree and certificate programs that allows participants to make toward a degree by demonstrating what they know, whether that knowledge was gained through prior coursework, military training, on-the-job training, or other learning experiences. By emphasizing what they know rather than time in class, the Flexible Option lets the participant advance toward a UW degree at a pace they set.

This model makes it more affordable for students to complete their degree form a UW System campus. Students move towards a degree faster and fit their education around their work and lives (vs. the other way around). In these and other ways, the UW Flexible Option is an efficient way for adult students to advance their careers and boost the Wisconsin economy.

Broadcasting and Media Innovations

Broadcasting and Media Innovations (BAMI) comprises of three units: Instructional Communications Systems, Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television. Collectively, their work educates, informs, entertains, engages and inspires individuals of diverse backgrounds, organizations and communities by connecting them to information, ideas, personal stories and cultural experiences with context that brings meaning.

BAMI provides the University a direct connection to clients on campus and in their homes, offices, cars and elsewhere to fulfill the University’s mission “to extend knowledge and its application beyond the boundaries of its campus”. BAMI also fulfills the University’s commitment that “Basic to every purpose of the system is the search for truth”.

Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

The Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (DEED) fosters, supports and coordinates entrepreneurship and economic development activities occurring at the University of Wisconsin campuses and the communities they serve. DEED does this through partnerships with governmental entities, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and the business community.

DEED, via the Small Business Development Centers, helps entrepreneurs create new businesses and grow existing businesses by providing training; information about financial, technology and other resources; one-on-one business counseling; and networking opportunities. As such, DEED houses The Institute for Exceptional Growth Companies (IEGC).

IEGC is a public-private, non-profit, nonpartisan research institution devoted to the study of business performance and . Operated as a research consortium at the University of Wisconsin - Extension, the Institute manages a complex system of datasets and technology resources for use by researchers and affiliate organizations.

DEED also considers its work with existing ‘second-stage’ companies of vital importance. Existing companies, particularly those considered to be second-stage businesses provide a tremendous opportunity for new job creation through expansion activities. Research from IEGC suggests that job growth gained from these existing companies may be more sustainable and longer lasting than jobs created by startups. While it makes sense to continue efforts to stimulate startup activity, DEED believes it is also important to support existing growth oriented companies.