ACCESS
Spanish-language publications bring life-enhancing information to Latino families
Publications and face-to-face programming are key elements of UW-Extension work for nutrition educator Becky Gutzman and her colleagues. Here she shares information about the origins of these baked specialties with participants at the 2005 Global Fair in Dodge County. Photo by Kathy Hetzel
When University of Wisconsin-Extension nutrition educators in Rock County visit the homes of Latino families, they often leave behind publications in both Spanish and English.
Spanish and English
"UW-Extension Food and Nutrition Program publications provide easy-to-understand information on food safety and recipes in Spanish. We leave English and Spanish versions with newcomers who are trying to learn English," says Mary Krisco, Rock County nutrition educator.
In Dane County, UW-Extension newsletters about parenting are mailed to new Latino parents and used in home visits by staff from Extension and other agencies such as Dane County Head Start. Family living educator Joan Laurion believes that "Spanish publications are a good resource for educators-a resource they can leave behind."
A growing population
Latino population growth in Wisconsin increased by 107% from 1990 to 2000. Five counties Ð Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock and Walworth-grew even more rapidly with increases ranging from 140% to 239%. A needs assessment of the counties' Latino residents found that materials translated into Spanish can help this young and growing population gain access to important information on consumer credit and personal finances, parenting, food and nutrition, and agriculture. —Meg Gores
For more information: http://learningstore.uwex.edu
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Fire and emergency responders can earn a specialized bachelor's degree
Today's firefighters and emergency responders face a wide range of challenges, from terrorist activities to natural disasters.
Statewide, 90% of the almost 3,000 firefighters in career departments have an associate degree but not a bachelor's degree in fire protective service. Until now, the University of Wisconsin has not offered a degree completion program in an accessible format targeted to this audience.
In addition to offering the first-of-its-kind bachelor's degree completion program for firefighters and emergency responders in Wisconsin, the UW-Oshkosh Office of Continuing Education and Extension also helps youth 15 through 20 learn emergency skills at the annual noncredit Fire Camp. Photo by Jennifer Bugni-Walsh
The lack of access to a traditional on-campus degree completion program and an increasing need for a program specifically for emergency responders led UW-Oshkosh to work with the UW-Extension division of Outreach and E-Learning in creating the first-of-its-kind bachelor of fire and emergency response management (BFERM) degree completion program in the state. The program, which offers classes online and face to face, was developed with input from Wisconsin fire chiefs and emergency responders.
"This is a great opportunity to build on the solid groundwork firefighters get from their technical-school training," says Appleton Fire Chief Neil Cameron. "The advanced training this program provides is absolutely critical for developing qualified leaders. Today's emergency responders have to deal with the convergence of new technology and critical issues. They need training on how to adapt to changing demographics and to changes in how services are delivered, further their critical thinking skills, and defend homeland security-all rolled into one package."
Students who have an associate degree in fire protection/science from a technical college may apply for admission to the program. BFERM courses include administrative law, leadership, communication, diversity and strategic planning. A grant from UW-Extension provided start-up funding for the program. —Amy Pikalek
For more information: Program Coordinator Cynthia L. Brun, UW-Oshkosh Division of Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement, (920) 424-0234; http://www.uwosh.edu/newlearning/