University of Wisconsin - Extension

St. Paul, Minn.— University of Wisconsin-Extension family living educators from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois co-sponsored the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) on Sept. 17, 18 and 19 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The conference focused on the theme of Bridging Scholarship and Entrepreneurship. “As extension educators from research universities, our primary interest is translating the research results of our university colleagues into practical programs that benefit people in measurable ways,” explained Carol Schlitt, NEAFCS President. “Our focus while in St. Paul was developing entrepreneurial skills that maximize the reach of our scholarship and strengthen partnerships with the communities and campuses where we live and work.”

University of Wisconsin-Extension family living specialists in aging, food insecurity and poverty, affordable housing, financial literacy, diversity, conflict resolution and other areas made a number of presentations at the conference. About 70 representatives from Wisconsin Cooperative Extension attended the event.

Topics covered by Wisconsin specialists included the latest research on challenges facing family caregivers, new ways to educate people about poverty and hunger, and innovative approaches to the problem of methamphetamine manufacture and use.

NEAFCS is a professional association of more than 3200 members that educates and recognizes Extension professionals who improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. Association members are employed at the land-grant universities located in each state and territory in the U.S. and specialize in subject areas such as food preparation, food safety and nutrition, financial management, healthy lifestyles, home and work environment safety, and relationship and parenting skills.