- ACT Together eases the transition to college for Hmong students and their families
Preparing for post-secondary education can be stressful for any student, but teens of Hmong descent often face even greater pressures. To smooth the way for 29 area Hmong students, UW-La Crosse offered a six-week ACT test strategy course in the spring of 2007. In conjunction with the course, students and their families had opportunities to tour the campus, meet with student services and admissions, and attend a panel discussion about college life. Most students completing the course increased their ACT practice test scores, and they report feeling more interested in and prepared for college. Parents who participated say they better understand the demands of the admissions process and of their integral role in helping their child transition from high school to college.
- Advocates find their voices at the Wisconsin Child and Family Institute
The annual Wisconsin Child and Family Advocacy Institute helps grass-roots community representatives improve the quality of life for Wisconsin children and families. Participants say the institute helps them apply current university research, access the state''s public policy planning process, and network effectively with local, state and federal policymakers to influence legislation and regulations affecting Wisconsin''''s children and families. Several participants have been elected to public office or taken positions with organizations that advocate for children.
- ARTSBUILD helps southwest Wisconsin artists lay the foundation for entrepreneurial success
Beyond creativity and originality, artists need entrepreneurial know-how to earn a living in their field. A UW-Platteville professional development program designed especially for use in southwest Wisconsin helps participants jumpstart their sales, sharpen their marketing skills, and meet supportive associates and benefactors. Since its 2004 launch, ARTSBUILD’s network has steadily increased to 350 artist members who consistently praise its worth. Growing partnerships between ARTSBUILD and state and local organizations have furthered the visibility of area arts, thus contributing to the health of local economies. Originally funded by a UW-Extension grant, the program has moved progressively towards self-sustainability.
- Certificate for Nonprofit Professionals strengthens leadership and management skills of nonprofit practitioners
Nonprofit organizations represent one of the fastest growing sectors of the American economy, currently 7% of the total workforce. In Wisconsin, nonprofits have become the state's fifth largest employer. To respond to this increase, the UW-Green Bay Division of Outreach developed a certificate program for nonprofit practitioners in 2002. It emphasizes business and management principles that can improve the efficiency of nonprofit organizations. Through January 2004, the Certificate for Nonprofit Professionals workshops had enlisted a total of 76 participants. The additional training they received helps these professionals become more effective within their organizations, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in Wisconsin.
- Diversity Circles address racism through dialogue, action and change
Improving race relations is a challenge for many communities and a lifelong process. Diversity Circles in Racine and Kenosha create a new awareness of the issue of racism, develop sensitivity to others' experiences, and promote understanding of how racism affects us all. These discussions encourage participants to take action to make positive change. Since 2001, Diversity Circles have reached more than 1,500 Kenosha and Racine citizens - including incarcerated men - and 2,500 high school youth in 80 discussion groups. More than 350 high school students used Diversity Circles to develop community and school action plans. University of Wisconsin-Parkside students can receive academic credit for participation in Diversity Circles. About 95% of those who take part in Diversity Circles say they have increased their understanding of others' attitudes and beliefs about racism.
- Diversity Circles dialogue builds cross-cultural awareness in Fond du Lac
Participants in Fond du Lac County’s Diversity Circles program report an increased understanding of their own and of others'' attitudes about race—and they say they are now better able to communicate with people of different backgrounds and beliefs. The success of the initial groups formed in 2003 has kept the project going with continued circles and action forums. By 2006, 150 adults and 20 public school students had participated in the program. Administered by the UW-Fond du Lac Office of Continuing Education and Extension, the program represents a far-reaching, community-wide effort to promote cross-cultural sensitivity.
- El Centro Empresarial offers bilingual training and resources to strengthen Milwaukee’s Hispanic business community
Since opening its doors in 2004, El Centro Empresarial, the Hispanic Entrepreneurship Center at UW-Milwaukee, has graduated 76 area Latinos from its certificate program, with 24 graduates going on to start their own businesses. The program promotes entrepreneurship in the region’s Hispanic community through bilingual training, counseling, technical assistance, and networking activities. It is the initiative of UW-Milwaukee’s School of Continuing Education, which has teamed up its Small Business Development Center with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin and other community partners.
- Extension Response to June 2008 Floods
In June 2008, record rains on saturated soils caused widespread flooding, costing hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Thirty southern Wisconsin counties were declared disaster areas. Backed by campus specialists, county extension faculty helped their neighbors assess damage and document losses even as floodwaters were rising. They contributed to positive impacts for farmers, families, homeowners, businesses, agencies and communities, from reduced losses, risks, stress and anxiety, to improved local and state agency performance.
- Hearing misdemeanor cases of their peers in Teen Court curbs repeat offenses
In 41 Wisconsin counties, teenagers who paint graffiti or are truant appear before a jury of their peers who "sentence" them to community service, classes, or letters of apology. Marinette County jurors find this such a positive experience that they assign offenders to serve as teen court jurors. Those simply charged a small fine in traditional juvenile court return for later offenses in far greater numbers than those held accountable by their peers
- Leadership Development Institute Fills a Need for Leadership Training in the Green Bay Area
When businesses, non-profits, and governmental organizations in the Green Bay area needed leadership training for their mid-level employees, they turned to UW-Green Bay Outreach and Extension to develop a program tailored to local needs and issues. Participants in UW-Green Bay¿s Leadership Development Program say the professional relationships they developed with program staff, facilitators, and peers were invaluable as the eight-month program groomed them to excel as leaders in their respective organizations. As part of the program, each created a customized leadership action plan that makes the most of his or her individual strengths and best meets the needs of their respective employers.
- Leadership program has personal and community impact in Superior and Douglas County
When citizens get involved, raise their awareness of local issues, and sharpen their leadership skills, their communities reap the rewards. To increase civic participation in the Superior area, UW-Superior's Center for Continuing Education/Extension teamed with the Superior/Douglas County Chamber of Commerce and the Development Association to design a leadership program for local achievers. Since 1992, more than 400 area residents have taken part in the 10-month course. They credit the program with improving their ability to work with others, increasing their community involvement, and expanding their knowledge of the community and of change-making.
- Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Institute provides training and skills to run local governments efficiently and effectively
Keeping up with thousands of laws and processes is not easy for the clerks and treasurers in Wisconsin's municipalities. The Wisconsin Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Institute sponsored by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's Office of Outreach and Extension provides training in leadership and administrative, technical and financial management that helps participants work more effectively with village, town, and city boards; communicate with citizens; and establish policies that use local resources wisely. The program also helps participants build a professional network for continued learning and support.
- Nonprofit Administration Certificate Program provides needed leadership training in Northern Wisconsin
UW-Superior''s Nonprofit Administration Certificate Program helps nonprofit workers improve their job performance and expand their career opportunities, according to program graduates. The curriculum, designed expressly for directors, staff, and volunteers of nonprofit and governmental agencies, offers participants a well-rounded foundation in the skills and needs unique to their organizations. By 2006, 89 participants had received certification through the university’s Center for Continuing Education/Extension.
- Ozaukee County Board more empowered and engaged through reorganization process
Responding to community concern, UW-Extension Ozaukee County teamed up with local government administrators to conduct a thorough review of county board committees, propose changes, and help build consensus for restructuring. County board supervisors unanimously adopted their blueprint for reorganization and replaced twenty-nine committees with six—saving time and money by staffing 23 fewer committees.
- Public Works Supervisory Academy prepares municipal employees to manage public dollars
Municipal supervisors and managers who are unprepared for their roles cost taxpayers money. The Public Works Supervisory Academy (PWSA) offered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Continuing Studies prepares supervisors in 10 skill areas to address this public need. This training has helped more than 2,000 participants deal more effectively with problem employees, communicate with citizens and employees in a more professional manner, and more effectively assist their departments in purchasing and budgeting - thus saving money.
- School of the Arts boosts arts programming and tourism in Rhinelander
Rhinelander''s School of the Arts has brought art to the people—and people to the arts—for more than 40 years. An annual grassroots learning program administered by UW-Madison Extension, School of the Arts receives the consistent and overwhelming support of Rhinelander residents and businesspeople, who recognize the economic, educational, and cultural benefits the week-long event brings their community. In July 2007, more than 300 participants came from every corner of Wisconsin—as well as from nine Midwestern states—to study visual arts, music, photography, drama, writing, movement, and computer arts from regional experts.
- Study Circles in Spanish help Latino workers exercise their rights and responsibilities in the workplace
Latino workers are critical to the Wisconsin workforce. Yet poor English skills and limited knowledge of employment rights and responsibilities make it difficult for many to have a voice in the workplace. A UW-Extension School for Workers program used monthly study circles, taught in Spanish, to help Milwaukee area workers learn about immigration law, family and medical leave, workplace safety and other issues in a supportive environment. As a result, they are better able to advocate for themselves and other Latinos in the factories, industries or businesses in which they work.
- Summit poises African American trade unionists for leadership roles in their workplaces and communit
More than 120 African Americans from the Milwaukee area attended conferences in 2004 and 2005 to discuss issues facing African American workers and their communities. Participants, who have pledged to continue the annual event, particularly value the opportunity for African American community and trade union leaders to meet, identify needs and goals, and begin to build a supportive network. Some participants even report that the summit experience inspired them to run for public office. The event received funding from UW-Extension''s Diversity Program Development Initiative program.
- Superior Days uses grass roots approach to community development
Spurred by economic stress, Douglas County residents took their concerns directly to the state Legislature in 1986, launching Superior Days under UW-Extension guidance. For 20 years, this model of participatory democracy has fledged community partnerships working toward common goals. Now, 8 neighboring counties enjoy safer highways, greater access to health care, and up-to-date infrastructure supporting education, aquatic research and commerce.
- Training program for nonprofit managers develops networking, improves planned giving coordination
Non-profit organizations play an important role in communities of all sizes across Wisconsin. In Sauk County, UW-Extension combined technology and local networking to create a learning community of the area’s nonprofit leaders, along with nationally respected faculty. Participants say the convenient, affordable programming taught them strategies for moving their organizations forward and developed networks that help organizations work more collaboratively, rather than competitively, to address local needs.
- Understanding generational differences in the workplace, community and home develops dynamic teamwork and common values
Hearing employers voice frustrations, UW-Extension Washburn County developed Communicating Across the Generations team-building workshops to train educators, managers and employees of all ages, cultures, socioeconomic and immigrant status through partners in state and tribal government, public and trade schools, communities and business. Those learning to blend the creative energies and work styles of four generations are creating dynamic teams.
- UW-Extension Local Government Center keeps local governments updated on state fiscal changes
As the 2003-2005 biennial budget progressed through the Wisconsin Legislature, projected shortfalls worried public officials statewide. Backed by University of Wisconsin-Extension Local Government Center research, county community resource development educators kept local leaders abreast of proposed budget changes and key provisions—strengthening ties with government decision-makers and easing fears by sharing the facts.
- Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey and Basin Education Program: Building local capacity for long-term emergency preparedness
Why were Spring Green area homes and businesses still submerged months after floodwaters receded from most of southern Wisconsin? A Cooperative Extension water basin educator and geological survey scientists teamed up to merge the results of a 20-year geology study with a new groundwater flow model to educate residents about why the area flooded, and why the flooding persisted. Understanding that a high water table and low topography compounded effects of record rainfall, residents and officials could then move forward.
- Wisconsin Public Television informs citizens about candidates and election issues
In election years, television viewers get assailed with paid political commercials, even as election coverage dwindles on local news programs. By contrast, Wisconsin Public Television offers viewers in-depth reporting on candidates and election issues. In 2006, viewers could tune in to two weekly news and public affairs programs, both of which devoted substantial air time to election topics, with no commercial interruptions. WPT also produced a one-hour special called Marriage Amendment on Trial, giving voice to both sides of the referendum that went before voters in the November election. Moreover, at the Wisconsin Vote website, voters had anytime access to a wealth of election information, including candidate profiles, voter registration details, and streaming video of election news.
- Wisconsin Unions Address Diversity and Succession Planning
Impact Summary: Sixty-seven active union members have engaged in focus groups to address the need for diversity and succession planning in their unions. These participants, along with members of their unions and institutions which supported the project, have worked together to identify and recruit potential new union leaders and mentors.
- Young professionals pitch in to create Downtown H.Y.P.E.! in Green Bay
Revitalizing downtown Green Bay got a boost from more than 75 young professionals who live and work in the area by engaging them in research. Their observations not only influenced the way local administrators and developers envision future projects but also helped the young participants see their city in a new way. And downtown merchants altered their marketing plans after seeing the young professionals’ perceptions. The program has gained the attention of other cities, as urban centers struggle to remain economically healthy.
