Our Impact
Making A Difference in Our County
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is working hard for its constituents. The following are examples of Extension’s impact in the county over the past year.
4-H Youth Development
4-H plays a transformative role in youth development, education, and community engagement. As the nation’s largest youth development organization, 4-H provides young people with critical life skills, leadership opportunities, and hands-on experiences that shape their future and benefit the local community.
In areas where access to enrichment opportunities may be limited, 4-H bridges the gap by offering inclusive, research-based programs that focus on agriculture, STEM, health, civic engagement, and more. These programs are vital in Madison County where agriculture and natural resources are closely tied to the community’s identity and economy.
4-H Youth Development provided ways for students to develop leadership skills through public speaking, team projects, officer roles, and community service. Madison County had 4-H’ers from 5th-12th grades compete in District Project Achievement, an opportunity for students to practice public speaking skills along with research. We had 4-H’ers compete on a Robotics team, 4-H’ers that served in officer roles within their club meetings and completed community service projects throughout the year. Exposure to real-world topics through judging teams and competitive events fosters lifelong learning and ambition. We had Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging, Wildlife Judging, Livestock Judging and Poultry Judging teams.
In Madison County, 4-H is more than an extracurricular program—it is a catalyst for youth empowerment and community resilience. In 2024, the Madison County 4-H and Youth Development nurtured future leaders, protected cultural and agricultural heritage, and built a stronger, more sustainable community.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Plays a vital role in delivering research-based agricultural and natural resources information to residents of all ages across the county. Through a variety of educational programs and hands-on-learning experience, the Extension Service empowers individuals to make economically and environmentally sound decisions that affect everyday life—from farming practices to resource conservation.
A major emphasis has been placed on teaching youth about agriculture and environmental stewardship. Understanding where food and fiber come from and the importance of conserving natural resources is crucial for shaping responsible future citizens. In partnership with Keep Madison County Beautiful, the Madison County Extension Office coordinated the Madison County Third Grade Environmental Summit. This interactive event brought together students from all five elementary schools in the county for a 1.5-hour program filled with engaging, educational rotations. Topics included: composting, water education, wildlife, bees and pollination, among other topics.
In collaboration with the Madison County Young Farmers, FFA, and Farm Bureau, the Extension Office organized two Farm Days. These events were designed to highlight the diversity and importance of agriculture in Madison County through interactive, hands-on stations. Hosted by the Madison County Early Learning Center and a local farmer, Farm Days engaged students who were able to see, touch, and learn about various farm animals, crops, and agricultural tools—fostering a deep connection between youth and local food systems.
These programs exemplify our mission to promote agricultural literacy, environmental awareness, and lifelong learning through dynamic partnerships and experiential education.
Family and Consumer Sciences
The Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) Extension in Madison County prioritized programming and events directly responding to local community needs. With heart disease identified as the #2 leading cause of death in the county, we partnered with Clarke County FACS to deliver a four-part summer series titled Healthy for Life?at the Madison County Senior Center. This program focused on heart disease prevention through practical nutrition and lifestyle education.
To further promote wellness, FACS supported the County Commissioner’s Health Fair by sharing resources on healthy living and participating in the "Drink Water, Georgia" campaign to encourage better hydration habits. In collaboration with Family Connection, we also offered a class on managing holiday stress, providing timely strategies to support mental well-being during a high-stress season. These collective efforts reflect our commitment to fostering a healthier Madison County through community-focused education and partnerships.
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