Extension Foundation Announces Five Projects Selected for $1M in AgriProspects Funding.

The AgriProspects Workforce Development Network, a national program of the Extension Foundation, is pleased to announce the award of $1 million to five projects through the second round of AgriProspects grants. Funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the AFRI–National Extension Clearinghouse for Industry and the Workforce, this round supports innovative efforts focused on digital credential infrastructure, AI education, and integrated workforce solutions for Extension and the communities it serves. Selected projects span various agricultural sectors and emphasize practical, industry-informed training, ranging from AI-enabled forestry and farm operations to food processing and workforce upskilling. Chosen from 74 competitive proposals, these awardees reflect the depth, creativity, and impact of Extension-led workforce development nationwide. Learn More here.

National 4-H Council's Winter Update Celebrates Alignment and Impact Achieved through the Landmark Gift

Extension and 4-H leaders recently joined National 4-H Council President and CEO, Jill Bramble and Dr. Juliette Bell, former President of University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Vice Chair of Council's Board of Trustees, for a virtual update and dialog on the outcomes from the first three years of the $50 million Landmark Gift to Council from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Special thanks to Dr. Bell for her leadership of the of the Task Force (comprised of Extension, Council, and youth) that established recommendations on the highest and best use of the gift in this first three years. 

·         View the recording HERE

·         Read the Landmark Gift Task Force’s Three-Year Progress Report

·         Download the Report’s Executive Summary

USDA Accepting Applications for the 1890 National Scholars Program

USDA is now accepting applications for the 1890 National Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at 1890 Land-grant Universities to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences. The application deadline is March 8. Read more about the program and how to apply.

Students and educators can participate in a unique opportunity to advance AI education for American youth!

The Trump Administration is launching a year-long challenge for K-12 students across the country to spark interest in Artificial Intelligence, promote creative thinking using AI tools, and demonstrate how AI technology can be used in beneficial ways. Early training and experience in responsible AI use can demystify the technology and support America’s youths in cultivating skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an AI-driven workforce.

Students who join the Presidential Challenge can access training and resources to help them complete a project that can either be a study or development of an AI method or tool to solve a local community problem. Educators are also invited to participate and focus on creative approaches to teaching or using AI technologies in K-12 learning. Participants can choose to enter their projects into a competition for the chance to showcase their work at a White House event next summer.

Registration for the Presidential AI Challenge will open to students and educators in late August 2025. Organizations may also pledge their support for advancing AI education for American youths.

Find the fact sheet and flyers here:

• AI Challenge Fact Sheet
• Flyer for Students
• Flyer for Educators

More information to follow. Visit AI.gov to learn more.

Deadline August 31: AgriProspects Mini-grants Applications

AgriProspects, an Extension Foundation program, has announced their second round of grants aimed at advancing Extension-led adult agricultural workforce development.

Supported by NIFA, AgriProspects will award grants to support regional or national-scale projects that build Cooperative Extension’s capacity and readiness in digital credentialing and artificial intelligence tools and resources.

Applications are due Aug. 31. Learn more about the program and how to apply.