Purpose:
Ohio State University Extension in Licking County gives local residents easy access to the resources and expertise of The Ohio State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Extension educators deliver unbiased, research-based information to Licking County citizens. We can answer your questions on a wide array of topics. To find out how we can help you, browse our program areas to learn more about the resources and opportunities we provide, and to see how we can help improve your life  or contact us by email or phone us at 740-670-5315.

What makes OSU Extension unique is our ability to link the resources of the university to those of local communities to help people solve problems. Volunteer leaders work with the professional staff to multiply Extension's educational outreach.

A report of activities can be found in Making a Difference in Licking County.

Extension staff and volunteers serve six program areas in Licking County in response to locally identified issues and needs:

• Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Family and Consumer Sciences
• 4-H Youth Development
• Family Nutrition Program
• Master Gardener Volunteer Program
• Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program
  

History of Extension:
Cooperative Extension was an outgrowth of the land-grant colleges and universities that were originally established by the Morrill Act of 1862. Each state was provided a grant of land to start a public university to educate the common person. In Ohio, that university is The Ohio State University. The Morrill Act of 1890 added traditionally Black Colleges and Universities in the then segregated southern states.

The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 extended the purpose of the land-grant universities to include educational outreach to the people of the state. The educational outreach was originally to farmers and provided education on the most modern farming techniques. Later, home economics and youth development were included in the educational outreach. The system expanded to every county in every state of the United States of America.

Our mission:
Helping the people of Licking County improve the quality of their lives through educational partnerships.

Vision of Ohio State University Extension:
OSU Extension is a dynamic educational entity that partners with individuals, families, communities, business and industry, and organizations to strengthen the lives of Ohioans. As Extension educations, we:

• Focus on critical economic, environmental, leadership, and youth and family issues.
• Engage people in lifelong learning.
• Apply knowledge and practical research to the diverse needs and interests of Ohioans in rural, suburban, and urban communities.
• Extend resources of The Ohio State University.
• Recruit and develop volunteers to multiply Extension's efforts while developing their leadership potential.
• Enhance teamwork through networking and connectedness.
• Link youth, family, and community needs to scholars in Ohio and nationwide.
• Teach with cutting-edge strategies using new technologies.