In 1914, Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act to disseminate agricultural knowledge and research-based farming practices to the public through each state\u2019s land-grant institution. Cooperative extension systems were established to share information and work directly in communities. Since then, UConn has developed a variety of educational programs and services that assist local residents in solving problems related to food, health and sustainability.<\/p>\n
Using the extension model of outreach and engagement, UConn is continuing to innovate in ways to support Connecticut residents with the creation of the Environment Corps (E-Corps). The University received a $2.25 million grant from the National Science Foundation<\/a> (NSF) for the E-Corps project, entitled \u201cRedefining Public Engagement at the University of Connecticut: Studying the Impact of an Innovative STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] Service Learning Model on the University Community.\u201d<\/p>\n The E-Corps seeks to address the environmental challenges facing Connecticut communities, including climate adaptation, stormwater management and the remediation of abandoned sites, through STEM teaching, outreach and student-led service learning projects.<\/p>\n \u201cOur goal is to create a program that benefits both the students and the towns, and in doing so also serves to strengthen UConn\u2019s relationship with the communities of Connecticut,\u201d says Extension Educator Chet Arnold<\/a>, a principal investigator of the project.<\/p>\n