COES is Proud to Serve the District

By: Howard McCullough

Posted: 11/5/08

Community Outreach and Extension Services (COES) of the University of the District of Columbia is working diligently as a part of the only totally urban land grant institution in the nation. Being an urban land grant institution means that UDC is legislatively required to teach and train, conduct relevant research, and extend beneficial information to District residents and the University receives funding by USDA. COES contains two key units that support this mission, the Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) which focuses on research and Cooperative Extension Service (CES) which extends beneficial information to District residents. Both entities focus on important urban issues, including health and nutrition, environment and natural resources, the community and economic development and youth development.
AES researches problems pertinent to the District's residents, urban dwellers. Research topics include, but are not limited to, health and nutrition, youth violence, cancer, diabetes and obesity. "Our mission basically is to, work harmoniously with District residents on issues and problems that are germane to the urban area" says Dr. Gloria Wyche-Moore, Dean of COES. Wyche-Moore continues to state "Our programs are basically designed to help District residents improve their quality of life through research, programs and publications." AES encourages environmental stewardship and agriculture awareness through annual programs conducted at UDC's 143 acre Muirkirk farm. D.C. Public school students are brought to the farm to experience an alternative learning environment, understand sustainable agriculture, environmental management, math, science, interpersonal communication, team building and more. The Station recently participated in the University's Summer Green Jobs Training Program in 2008. AES staff presented training in agriculture, the environment, and landscaping at the farm.
AES has offered other programs including Water Environmental Studies in Schools Teacher Training Institute (WESS-TTI) an institute designed to train teachers how to educate middle school students about agriculture and the environment. Standing in the Gap (STING), another past program, was designed to combat today's adult literacy crisis. Currently, the National Youth Sports Program provides mentors and educates young people between the ages of 10 and 16 on sports.
The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) provides beneficial research based information to enhance the well-being and economic welfare of residents in the District of Columbia. Information is provided through free and fee-based programs, as well as publications. Each program areas staff includes a specialist and extension agents that work solely in the community with residents of the District. The unit distributes this information through 4 different program areas:
Community Resource and Economic Development & the Center for Cooperatives programs include: Basic Financial Management, Community Economic Development, Market Makers, Affordable Housing, home Based Business Development, Leadership and Organizational Development, High School Financial Planning and Financial Literacy, Basic Home Repair, Advanced Home Repair, and indoor Air Quality and Energy Conservation.
Environment and Natural Resources & the Institute for Applied Agriculture provides training to meet licensing and certification regulations for pesticide applicators, water quality technicians, and horticulturalists.
Programs include: Lawn and Garden Assessment, Master and Junior Master Gardening training, Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher Training, Water Quality Education, Urban Pest Management Education and Urban Pest Safety Certification.
Family and Consumer Sciences & the Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health provides information on literacy, nutrition and health.
Programs include: Food Stamp Nutrition Education, CES Asthma Project, Nutrition Diet & Health Education, and Teachers Understanding Nutrition.
4-H & the Center for Youth Development assist youth in uncovering and developing their leadership skills and confidence.
Programs include: D.C. Reads, Life Smarts Consumer Education for Teenagers, Community Based 4-H Clubs, Public and Charter School Based 4-H Clubs, Operation Military Kids, Leadership Development, Citizenship Development, Agriculture in the Classroom and Parenting and Grandparenting classes.
COES takes great pride in being part of the University of the District of Columbia the nation's only totally urban land grant institution. "What separates UDC from other land grant institutions is that we are an urban institution that solely addresses the unique needs in the urban environment, serving District residents by providing research and useful information that helps to improve the quality of life of each individual and to improve our communities" states Wyche-Moore.
Students are encouraged to serve as volunteers and be a part of UDC's outreach community. By serving as a volunteer, students gain valuable experience and help strengthen their communities. Anyone wanting to volunteer and be a part of this vast experience should contact COES at 202-274-7011.