University of Connecticut
EN-13: Community Stakeholder Engagement

UConn Extension specialists work in communities across Connecticut as educators, problem solvers, catalysts, collaborators and stewards to fulfill our land grant university’s third mission of outreach and public engagement. The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources ensures a sustainable global future through scientific discovery, innovation, and community engagement, with the goals of healthier individuals and communities, greater protection and conservation of the environment and natural resources, balanced growth of the economy, resilient local and global communities, and safe, sustainable, and secure plant and animal production systems.

UConn’s programs in Community and Economic Development respond to local needs and opportunities through partnerships with participants and stakeholders. Stakeholders include organizations, individuals, and agencies with a stake in the existence and content of programs and the resources that support these programs. Target audiences for Community and Economic Development programs specifically include local government officials, economic development professionals, local leaders, small businesses and industries, community-based organizations, and the general public. Community and Economic Development foster partnerships that link the University to local stakeholders, government agencies, businesses, and organizations to help create vibrant and sustainable communities. UConn Extension has programs that specifically focus on providing families and children with workshops on finance education, nutrition, food safety, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, parenting, and skill, character, and citizenship development.

BuyCTGrown FoodCorps Connecticut Integrated Pest Management Program provides educational outreach to organizations including, but not limited to, Connecticut Beekeepers Association, Connecticut Florists Association, Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association, and Connecticut Department of Agriculture Home and Garden Education Center educates CT residents and commercial growers about environmental sustainability in horticulture Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group Connecticut Sea Grant Extension Connecticut Seafood Council Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) Extension Forestry Connecticut 4-H Youth Program People Empowering People Healthy Environments for Children

The Connecticut Sea Grant College Program is a partnership between the nation’s universities and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Its mission is to work towards achieving healthy coastal and marine ecosystems and consequent public benefits by supporting integrated locally and national relevant research, outreach and education programs in partnership with stakeholders. The program is funding six research projects with a total value of $879,091 for the period of 2016 to 2018, focusing on topics such as environmental literacy and workforce development and resilient coastal communities and economies. http://web2.uconn.edu/seagrant/index.php Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Bridgeport is a project that engages the community in the planning and construction of GSI practices such as rain gardens, pervious pavements and green roofs. It is a partnership of the City of Bridgeport, the University of Connecticut, and Michael Singer Studio, funded by the Surdna Foundation. The Bridgeport Central High School rain garden was planted in November 2014, designed to infiltrate runoff from the school’s driveway area. Community members and high school students participated in the installation as part of the free public workshop on stormwater management taught by UConn Extension educators. http://clear.uconn.edu/surdna/index.htm The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is designed to help low income families learn skills, attitudes and behavior changes necessary for nutritionally sound diets. Through a variety of workshops and guides, the program primarily helps pregnant and nursing women, families and youth learn about healthy eating habits and dietary guidelines. Currently, the EFNEP is one of the federal government’s longest running educational outreach programs targeted to low-income families. Specially trained EFNEP Nutrition Assistants, who know their communities well, work with program families in their homes or in small community groups to offer knowledge and skills to help people control and manage their food and nutrition practices for better health and quality of life. http://efnep.uconn.edu/ Connecticut Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable and scientific approach to managing pests through educational outreach to commercial growers, natural area managers, groundskeepers, educators and the general public in Connecticut. The program includes on-site training, email and website pest alerts, field demonstrations, newsletters, and fact sheets. Throughout 2015 and 2016, a series of educational guides have been released by IPM, including the 2016-2017 New England Vegetable Management Guide, the 2015-2016 New England Greenhouse Floriculture Guide, and the 2015-2016 New England Small Fruit Pest Management Guide. http://ipm.uconn.edu/root/index.php