Kent/MSU Cooperative Extension
775 Ball Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 336-3265
Fax: (616) 336-3836
Mission Statement
A University/Community partnership connecting education to life to meet the challenges of a changing and diverse society.
Kent County MSU Extension website
Overview
Michigan
State University (MSU) Extension in Kent County is part of a state-wide information and
education delivery network, applying university level, research-based knowledge to locally-identified
critical issues. We respond to local needs through a unique partnership of County, State and Federal
resources. Information is extended to Kent County residents through the MSU non-formal education system,
which assists individuals, families and communities to make better decisions.
Kent/MSU Extension services are divided into three program areas. In the Agriculture, Horticulture,
and Natural Resource program area, education is provided on topics including: agriculture in the bioeconomy,
agri-security, pesticide use, animal waste management, farm marketing, financial planning, and other farm
management topics. Horticulture offerings include plant and soil diagnostics, Green Industry business assistance and education, the
MSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer program, and consumer assistance through the horticulture hotline.
Children, Youth and Family programs provide opportunities to learn about topics such as youth development, nutrition, managing
personal finances, leadership and volunteer development.
Land use education and capacity building are primary focus areas of the Community and Economic Development program. Local units of
government, community-based organizations, public officials and citizens participate in a variety of educational programs on many
aspects of community development.
Goals
- Improve dietary outcomes for adults and youth in nutrition, and breastfeeding outcomes for new moms and infants following participation in Extension educational programs
- Increase participation in educational programs in youth development through 4-H clubs, school programs, after-school and summer programs and volunteer trainings
- Ensure viability of agricultural and green industries in Kent County
- Facilitate processes for Kent County citizens, neighborhoods, communities and local governmental officials to learn and implement best practices in land use, utilizing MSU resources whenever possible
- Provide educational programs that will assist individuals to increase skills in money management
2008 Adopted Uses
$673,361
Selected Performance Measures
Performance Measure |
2005
|
2006
|
2007
|
2008 Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Percent of people making improvement in diet per ERS
report |
95.0%
|
94.5%
|
94.5%
|
90.0% |
Percent of new moms enrolled in BFI program who follow
through to initiate breastfeeding after child's birth |
NA
|
72%
|
80%
|
85% |
Percent increase in youth involvement in 4-H activities |
3.6%
|
9.6%
|
14.0%
|
5.0% |
Percent increase in green industry producers in crop,
financial management and/or income production-related educational programs |
NA
|
NA
|
23%
|
10% |
Percent of participants indicating an increase in
knowledge of best practices in land use |
NA
|
NA
|
90%
|
90% |
| Percent of money management students that intend to increase amount of savings | 95%
|
91%
|
100%
|
100% |
Department History of Uses
| Uses |
2005
Actual |
2006
Actual |
2007
Adopted |
2008 Requested |
2008 Adopted |
Adopted % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Personnel |
$324,312
|
$353,727
|
$389,502
|
$405,502 |
$352,512 |
-9.50% |
Commodities |
20,044
|
20,264
|
19,246
|
19,246 |
25,464 |
32.31% |
Contractual Services |
285,779
|
265,344
|
246,548
|
246,548 |
289,315 |
17.35% |
Capital Outlay |
1,169
|
2,894
|
2,400 |
6,070 |
6,070 |
152.92% |
Other Charges |
- | - | - | - | - |
NA |
Total |
$631,304 | $642,229 | $657,696 | $718,539 | $673,361 |
2.38% |
Personnel FTE |
6.5 | 6.5 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Significant Budget Issues
One part-time Graphic Artist position was eliminated and one full-time Cooperative
Extension Assistant position was reduced to half-time to reduce
expenditures and meet budget goals for the 2008
fiscal year.
