Extension Program and Community Engagement

UConn Extension: A Partner for Life and Connecticut Communities

At UConn, learning doesn’t stop at graduation, and neither does our commitment to the people of Connecticut. Through trusted, research‑based education, UConn Extension works alongside individuals, families, farms, businesses, and communities at every stage of life, helping them respond to challenges, seize opportunities, and build a stronger future. Across the state, Extension professionals translate university […]

Celebrating the Volunteers who Power UConn Extension

During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are proud to celebrate the thousands of volunteers who make UConn Extension’s work possible. From supporting youth development and environmental stewardship to protecting local ecosystems and educating communities, Extension volunteers strengthen communities across Connecticut every day. UConn Extension’s programs, including UConn 4‑H, the UConn Extension Master Gardener Program, invasive species […]

Defining Extension Programs at UConn: Smith-Lever Legislation

By Amy Harder, Associate Dean & Associate Director, UConn Extension  Smith-Lever Funding UConn Extension provides nonformal education through the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs intentionally designed to address critical issues relevant to the people of Connecticut. Critical issues are determined on a five-year basis and outlined in the University of Connecticut Research and Extension […]

Get Trusted Answers from Local Experts with UConn Extension

Have you ever stood in your garden wondering what’s wrong with a plant—or looked at a canning recipe and felt unsure if it’s truly safe? Maybe you’re a new landowner trying to make environmentally sound decisions, or simply want to grow better agricultural crops this season. Whatever your question, UConn Extension is here to help—with […]

Help us Reach All Communities During UConn Gives

Donate today to help ensure UConn Extension can continue to provide trusted knowledge and resources to residents across Connecticut. Through the Reaching All Communities with UConn Extension fund, we ensure that vital programs reach those who need them most. Make a Difference – Donate Today! Impact of your gift One way this fund helps Connecticut families is […]

Support Extension During UConn Gives

UConn Extension is participating in UConn Gives—the University’s 36-hour giving campaign—on April 21–22, 2025. This year, we are raising support for our Reaching All Communities fund. Your gift will help us continue delivering trusted, research-based programming to people across Connecticut. UConn Extension reaches all 169 towns in the state, supporting communities with educational programs in […]

Meet Danielle Fisher

Danielle Fisher joined UConn Extension in our New London County office as an educational program assistant during the fall of 2024. She is from Willington, and earned her bachelor of science in animal science from UConn. “I have been familiar with the Extension Service due to my degree from the College of Agriculture, Health, and […]

Meet Diane Dorfer

Diane Dorfer (’03 CLAS) joined UConn Extension as our Farm Viability Service Coordinator in June. She’s from Mansfield Center and owns and operates Cobblestone Farm. Diane earned her bachelor of science degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from UConn. What is your area of interest?  One of the goals of my new position is to […]

Meet Fanny Hernandez

Fanny Hernandez joined UConn Extension as our Evaluation Specialist in April. She is from the Dominican Republic, and before moving to Connecticut, she lived in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for almost nine years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the Santo Domingo Institute of Technology (INTEC) and a certificate in education in the Dominican […]

Meet Dan Carvalheiro

Dan Carvalheiro recently joined Extension as our data analyst. He is originally from Bridgeport and is working towards a doctoral degree in Human Development and Family Sciences at UConn. What is your area of interest and how did you get interested in it? My area of interest is at the intersection of data, statistics, research, […]