Engaging Non-traditional Audiences through Local Learning Networks

Success Story

 Speakers:
Cathy Bastin, Susie Trees and Joetta Burrous
317-745-9265
cathybastin@purdue.edu
Purdue University
In the last 5 years, the Community and Economic Development Program Area of Purdue University Cooperative Extension has helped to create/nurture seven community-based Learning Centers or Learning Networks. Through a variety of contractual arrangements and agreements, Extension provides the coordination and staffing for these Centers/Networks. The breadth and width of educational offerings is MUCH greater than is found in the traditional county-based Extension office. These Centers/Networks help local residents pursue educational opportunities ranging from college degree programs, to GED preparation, to various occupational certification programs, to personal lifelong learning skills, to customized workforce development offerings in mobile computer labs. What makes these Centers/Networks unique is the freedom these programs are given to work directly with the local communities to assess and meet local needs and opportunities. In several instances the amount of visibility and credibility accruing to Extension has led to county-initiated budget increases for Extension. Because of this success, the establishment of learning centers/networks in several other counties is under discussion. The proposed presentation will be a panel format, and will include two learning Center/Network coordinators and a university representative. These participants will describe how the programs started, successes, challenges and words of wisdom. Ample time will be provided for participation and Q and A from the audience.

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For more information about the conference, contact the conference co-chairs: Cindy Bigger, cbigger@umn.edu, (888) 241-0843, or Rick Maurer, richard.maurer@uky.edu, (859) 257-7582.

For questions, comments or concerns about the 2006 NACDEP Conference website, contact emilye@srdc.msstate.edu.