​Mission Statement
Michigan State University Extension helps people improve their lives through an educational process that applies knowledge to critical needs, issues and opportunities.
History
MSU Extension was created from the understanding that research is valuable only if the results are available to the people who need it. In 1912 the Michigan Legislature authorized county boards of supervisors (now county boards of commissioners) to appropriate funds and levy taxes to advance use of research findings through a local network of Extension professionals. In 1914 Congress passed the
Smith-Lever Act, creating the Cooperative Extension Service and directed the nation's land grant universities (in Michigan it's Michigan State University) to oversee its work.
The federal/state/local government funding partnership supports the work and grants from foundations and the private sector enhance and expand it.
Impacts We've Made in Oakland County
Michigan State University Extension puts research-based information into the hands of people when they need it. The
MSU Extension Leadership Council of Oakland County works in partnership with staff to ensure vibrant and dynamic educational programming efforts that focus on identified priorities. MSU Extension staff conduct program evaluations in order to track results and impacts. You can also view our most recent
annual report for more information.
How has MSU Extension impacted the lives of Michigan residents? Interviews celebrating MSU Extension's centennial will answer the question -
"What does Extension mean to you?"