Central State University

Central State University Extension Provides Programming Throughout Many of Ohio's Counties at Various Sites Including Woodlands, Farms, Classrooms, Community Centers, Schools, and Training Sites. Fy 2023 Project Abstract Central State University (CSU) Extension Focuses on Programming for the Citizens of Ohio. the Primary Target Audience for Programming Is Underserved, Underrepresented Populations in Rural and Urban Areas in the Four Program Areas of Extension: Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Community and Economic Development. Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Csu Extension Provides Programs, Workshops, and Training for Small-scale, Organic and Beginning Farmer Programs With Interactive Cla Sses That Focus on Organic, Intensive Vegetable Production and Farmers Learn About Crop Management, Pest Management, Post-harvest Handling and Food Safety, Farm Safety, Business Planning and Development, Marketing, Land Access, Engagement With Usda Programs and Climate-smart Technologies. Csu Extension Also Engages Farmers With Niche Markets Including Specialty Crops, Aquaponics, Hydroponics, and Beekeeping. Forest Outreach Includes Efforts for Oak Regeneration and Stewardship While Enhancing Economic Viability in the Appalachian Region Which Has the Highest Poverty Rate in Ohio. Csu Extension Will Focus on Legacy Planning for Woodland Owners With an Emphasis on Heirs' Property, Minority Landowners, and Underserved Audiences. Impacts of the Programming Will Include Increasing the Number of New Farmers in Ohio, Developing Mentor Relationships for New Farmers, Developing Podcasts, Videos and Resources for Farmers and Engaging With Woodland Owners in Appalachian Ohio. 4-H Youth Development the 4-H Youth Development Program, "creating Youth Pathways to Success" Targets Vulnerable Populations Including Minorities in Inner-cities and Underserved Rural Communities. the Program Provides Positive Youth Development and Experiential Learning Activities That Create Pathways for Ohioan Youth to Grow and Bloom Into Responsible Citizens and Caring Adults. the Program Provides Afterschool and In-school 4-H Experience in Positive Youth Development to Underserved and At-risk Youth in Urban (inner-cities) and Rural Communities Through Experiential Learning Activities in S.t.e.a.m. Education, Healthy Living, Community and Civic Engagement, and Career Preparedness to Become Functional and Responsible Individuals. the 4-H Program Has Developed a Strong Community Partnership That Fosters Positive Youth Development Based on the Needs and Strengths of Youth, Their Families, and Communities. Impacts of the Programming Include Encouraging Youth to Improve Their Dietary Habits, Nutrition, Health and Wellness, and Physical Activities; Improving Acces S to Healthier Foods Through Hands-on Activities in Gardening and Healthy Food Preparation; and Introducing Activities in Science and Agriculture and Nutrition and Provide Opportunities for Youth to Develop Life and Workforce Preparation Skills. Outcomes for Youth Will Include Increased Skills in Leadership, Mastery, Self- Esteem, and Self-determination. Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) the Welfare of All Ohio Citizens But Particularly Socially Disadvantaged Communities Is a Priority for Csu Extension. Socially Disadvantaged People Are Often at a Greater Risk of Poor Nutrition and Illness, Including Diabetes, Than More Affluent Populations and This Is a Target Audience for FCS Programs. Ohio Has the 11TH Highest Adult Obesity Rate in the Nation, and the Sixth Highest Obesity Rate for Youth Ages 10 to 17. FCS Programs Cover Human Nutrition, Disease Abatement Through Nutrition and Exercise, Cooking Methods, and Individual/family Mental Health. FCS Also Plays a Critical Role in the Dissemination of Research Results Pertaining to Human Nutrition and Health. FCS Utilizes a Mobile Kitchen to Demonstrate Cooking and Introducing More Fruits and Vegetables in People's Diets That Will Cause Diabetes Mitigation, Prevention of Childhood Obesity, Improving Family Resilience, Strengthening Financial Readiness of Families, Promotion of Hunger Abatement, and Environmental Degradation. a Mobile Health Unit Is Used to Provide Access to Health Consultations and Services to All Communities. Program Activities Include Providing Nutritional Education, Cooking Demonstrations and Workshops to Encourage Participants to Consume More Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Health and Reduce Occurrence of Chronic Diseases Such as Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Heart Disease and Create Improved Community Health as Participants Integrate Fruits and Vegetables Into Meal Planning and Preparation. Community and Economic Development (CED) the Community and Economic Development Programs Seek to Empower Communities to Achieve Their Goals Through Education and Technical Assistance. the Programming Pays Particular Attention to Socially Disadvantaged Communities and Focuses Ondeveloping a Sustainable and Improved Socio-economic Environment. Program Activities to Achieve the Objectives Include Offering High School Equivalency Education, Criminal Record Expungement Program, and Local and Micro Entrepreneurship and Jobs Programs. Also, Ced Offers Technical Assistance to Ohioans Through Training Clients in Governmental Disaster Relief Programs and Assisting With Completing Applications to Obtain Disaster Relief. the Ced Team Also Works With Farmers and Other Entrepreneurs on Business Planning and Development. Impacts of the Programming Will Be Measured by Number of Aspiring Start-up, Small Business, Beginning Farmers, and Agribusiness Entrepreneurs That Launch and Operate Their Business; People Who Overcome Barriers and Enter the Workforce; Individuals Receiving Hands-on Training in the Trades, Soft Skills, and Agriculture; and Improvement in the Delivery of Both Inform Ation and Services to Residents Affected by Disasters and Reduce the Impact of Disasters Byproviding Education and Technical Assistance.