UW-Extension Impact Areas - Definitions
Impact refers to the major or comprehensive effects and consequences of our Extension educational programs. For UWEX, six impact areas are used to describe the value of our educational programs to the citizens of Wisconsin.
We say that we are making a difference in people's lives in terms of the following benefits.
CIVIC enhancement
Citizens, communities, and government will work more effectively and efficiently in caring for the public good.
Examples: increased commitment of youth to their communities; improved quality of schools; increase in community initiative and responsibility; improved leadership skills (youth, elected officials, others), increased civic knowledge; greater participation in civic activities (nonprofit organizations, community gardens, voting, etc.).DIVERSITY
Impacts those who are underserved, especially those who are of African American, Hispanic, Southeast Asia, or Native American ethnicity.ECONOMIC development
Individuals, households, businesses/industries and/or communities enjoy greater opportunities and control over the production, development and management of their resources: money, labor, materials.
Examples: jobs created and retained; reduced operating costs; savings through prevention, better decision making; increases in retail activity or productivity; economic policy development/improvements.ENVIRONMENTAL conditions
Land, water, air, soil, plant and animal resources will be protected, clean and safe.
Examples: safer drinking water, pollution prevention, improved environmental management; wise environmental management; improved consumer/user behavior (e.g., recycling, reductions in fertilizer and pesticide use, etc.); toxic waster reductions; improved environmental policiesHUMAN improvements
Individuals, families, groups and communities will have greater knowledge, skills, and abilities to function effectively within the family, school, work setting, community and environment.
Examples: reduction in abusive behaviors; improved professional competencies; more positive family relations; enhanced cultural opportunities; more qualified workforce; policies modified/created that enhance well being.VALUE-ADDED to the UW System
With programs affecting individuals, families, communities, and businesses around the state, extension adds value to the UW System by connecting the university with state priorities and local communities.
Examples: visibility of UW resources used to benefit local communities, businesses, the state economy and environment ("the engaged university"), opportunities for service learning internships; sites and issues for applied research, testing, adapting; access to non-campus learners.
Achieving impact is often long-term. On the way to the final impact, our extension programs have other effects. In some cases, outputs may be the significant effects that represent meaningful results - numbers of people reached, demographics of people reached, quality of programs offered, number of publications requested or sold. These outputs may be the basis for articulating the difference Extension is making. Wherever possible, however, we push toward behavioral and system changes or improvements as the results to evaluate.