WVU Extension is the main outreach and public service arm of West Virginia University. With an office, agents, and staff located in each of West Virginia's 55 counties, WVU Extension provides educational programs to help West Virginians put knowledge to work.  Our county Extension agents develop programs based on local needs. Agents receive backup and support from subject matter specialists, administrators, and staff. WVU Extension is a unique partnership of federal, state, and local governments and a part of the national land-grant university system.

4-H:  WVU Extension's premier youth development program teaches life skills, leadership skills, and character education to some 56,000 young people.  More than 7,200 adult volunteers and 8,700 teen leaders work with members.  8,000 West Virginia youths, assisted by 1,000 volunteers, participated in 4-H camps in 2002.  Educational opportunities include community clubs, camping, participation in state and national events, community service, and projects ranging from aerospace to veterinary science.

Energy Express:  A collaborative effort involving VISTA, AmeriCorps, and many state and local partners, Energy Express helps to reverse the typical summertime losses in children's nutrition and reading.  In 2002, Energy Express served 3,000 children in 90 low-income communities in 43 West Virginia counties. Nearly 600 trained college-age student mentors worked with the children, and more than 4,700 volunteers provided 75,000 hours of service to support the six-week program.

Agriculture:  In every West Virginia county, WVU Extension agents are the trusted source for homeowners and businesses for answers to their questions on horticulture, home gardening, lawn care, pest control. organic production techniques, livestock/crop production and management, and growing commercial fruits and vegetables. More than 400 West Virginians were trained as Master Gardeners last year. The state's 1,200 Master Gardeners donated 30,000 hours of community services.

Soil Testing:  Each year, more than 9,000 farmers and gardeners have their soil laboratory-tested at WVU's Davis College. WVU Extension agents interpret the results and provide site-specific recommendations for soil improvement.

CEOS:  Members of the Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS), an Extension cooperator, contribute volunteer time, funds, and other resources to support Extension programming.  West Virginia's 450 CEOS clubs encourage their 7,000 members to be lifelong learners and to develop their leadership capabilities. Members conduct community, county, and statewide service projects. The organization provides camperships to help children attend county and state 4-H camps and scholarships to deserving WVU students majoring in nursing and family and consumer sciences.

Dining with Diabetes:  This series of educational sessions, offered in nearly all counties, teaches diabetics and family members to prepare appropriate meals, About 1,200 West Virginians participate each year.

CARDIAC:  The Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities (CARDIAC) project screens fifth-graders for high cholesterol to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. WVU Extension provides children and their families with heart-healthy nutrition education.