PROGRAM MISSION: To develop grassroots community education programs that address priority issues identified by community members.

The Cooperative Extension Program is a publicly funded, non-formal, educational system that links the education and research resources and activities of the U.S Department of Agriculture, land-grant institutions, and local governments. Arlington County's program is collaboration among Virginia State University, Virginia Tech and DPRCR. Many programs are implemented with assistance from trained volunteers. The mission is to improve the quality of life of County residents through these program areas:

The 4-H program helps youth ages 5 to 19 develop life skills through activities and experiences that encourage community involvement, enhance self-esteem, and develop leadership skills. Delivery formats include in-school and after-school programs, camps and traditional community or "after-school" clubs led by trained volunteer leaders.

Family and Consumer Education programs train residents to successfully manage their family finances through personal financial and investment counseling, money management classes, and entrepreneurship education. Programs utilize research-based information to emphasize avoidance of fraud and identity theft and other current consumer issues. Additional programs include the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Smart Choices Nutrition Education Program (SCNEP) which improve the dietary practices and nutritional status of low-income families and senior citizens while helping them learn how to stretch their food dollar. Principal/target audiences are immigrants and families at risk.

Environmental Horticulture education programs train residents to manage their landscapes and other natural environments in safe and sustainable ways, with an emphasis on protecting the Chesapeake Bay and tree canopy. Participants in residential and commercial settings apply practices learned through integrated pest management, eradication of invasive species, nutrient management, and pesticide certification training programs designed to help keep people, land, and water safe and clean. This also helps Arlington County reduce its share of pollutants that flow to the Chesapeake Bay.

Cooperative Extension is partnering with Parks and Natural Resources on the invasive plant species education and volunteer training initiative.

The Cooperative Extension Program staff relies heavily on trained volunteers to assist specialty programs coordinated such as Master Gardeners, Tree Stewards, Remove Invasive Plants (RIP), Farmers' Market Volunteers, Certified Financial Counselors and 4-H Volunteer Leaders. Volunteers contributed 15,189 documented hours in support of program efforts, which is equivalent to 7.3 FTEs.

SIGNIFICANT BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:

• Increase in non-personnel is due to increase in County's share of four Extension Agents' salaries ($5,398).

• A portion of this budget is the reimbursement to Virginia Cooperative Extension ($86,069) for the County's share of the Extension Agents' (4.0 FTEs) salaries and benefits.

• The State support of Cooperative Extension programs in Arlington includes $258,207 of staff support and $4,750 of program support. In FY 2004, staff also secured approximately $30,000 in-kind donations and course fees for funding for programs delivered to Arlington residents. Additional in-kind support from Virginia Tech for technology services, including computer upgrades, and use of diagnostic laboratories for over 50 plant and insect specimens. Landscape and Forestry sections benefit directly from these services.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Environmental Horticulture

Family and Consumer Education

• FY 2005 and FY2006 estimates for programs include financial counseling and 70 classes offered.

• Decrease in FY2004 for EFNEP is due to two vacant positions.

• Decrease in FY 2005 for SCNEP is due to a vacant position.

• Several of the measurements identified above are new and no historical information is available. Data collection for these performance measures commenced in FY 2003/2004.

4-H Program

• The 4-H Nutrition program began in FY 2000. FY 2005 Estimate is low due to vacant position Otherwise the increases from FY 2002 are due to increased partnerships with Community Recreation Services along with greater use of volunteers for group programs.

• Several of the measurements identified above are new and no historical information is available. Data collection for these performance measures commenced in FY 2003/2004.